Cameos and the Victorian Age
When a person thinks of timeless elegance and exquisite craftsmanship, the name "Cameo" inevitably comes to mind. For nearly a century, our family has been at the heart of the Venetian jewelry scene, crafting intricate pieces that have adorned the necks of a lot of customers (celebrities included), and discerning collectors alike.
A bit of History of Venice
You know Venice is our homeland and we're deeply connected with its history
Our journey began in 1934 when Luciano Jovon, my father in law (but we prefer the word "father in love") opened a small jewelry shop on the Rialto Bridge. With, few money, but a great passion for the art of cameo carving, he quickly established a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to capture the essence of beauty in every piece.
So let's say we're around from a while and so we can speak about the nice old times gone ...
Victorian Cameos: A Timeless Classic
Among the many treasures we create and sell, Victorian cameos hold a special place in our hearts. The Victorian Era was a time of great elegance and romanticism, and these exquisite carvings perfectly captured the spirit of the age. With their delicate profiles and intricate designs, Victorian cameos were prized possessions of the aristocracy and new middle class and were often passed down through generations.
Custom Cameo Portraits at Eredi Jovon
At Eredi Jovon, we continue to honor this equisite tradition by creating our own interpretations of Victorian cameos. Our skilled artisans use the same techniques and materials as their predecessors, ensuring that each piece is a true and unique work of art.
So why you should not indulge feeling like a princes, or why you should not create a keepsake that your family will cherish forever?
At Eredi Jovon, we offer a truly unique and personal way to cherish your memories. We still meticulously hand-carve custom cameos based on your photographs. Whether it's a portrait of a loved one, a beloved pet, or a special moment captured in time, we can transform it into a beautiful and everlasting work of art.
but let's get back to us and to the main theme of this post
The Timeless Elegance of Victorian Cameos"
Victorian cameos are renowned for their intricate detailing and romantic themes. They are often associated with a bygone era of elegance and sophistication. True Victorian cameos are handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques and high-quality materials. Shortly, there was not machines and everything needs to be done totally by hand.
- Material Quality: Authentic Victorian cameos are typically carved from natural materials such as shell, onyx, or agate. The layers of these materials create a striking contrast that allows for intricate detailing.
- Intricate Detailing: The level of detail in a Victorian cameo is often a hallmark of its authenticity. Subjects range from classical mythology to portraits of loved ones, and the facial features and clothing are typically rendered with great precision. The clothes are basially the clothes of the time! Ladies don't look always nice and beautiful, sometimes cameos depict real person with their imperfections.
- Coloration: The colors in a genuine Victorian cameo tend to be rich and natural, with subtle variations in hue. Fakes may have overly bright or artificial colors. The contrast between the part engraved and the background looks stark!
- Backside: The backside of a Victorian cameo is often concave because of the natural curl of the shells (that is still the material most used) and may have tool marks from the carving process. Fakes may have a smooth or flat backside.
- Mounting: Many Victorian cameos are set in gold or silver mounts, which may be hallmarked. Examine the mounting for any signs of wear or repair that could indicate its age. Some of these are simply mounted on metal: remember you buy a cameo not the set!
Why Victorian Cameos Endure
- Timeless Beauty: The classic designs of Victorian cameos never go out of style (Fashion changes class is forever!)
- Symbol of Elegance: These pieces are a symbol of refined taste and sophistication (they tell more about you than a mass-produced designer bag)
- Sentimental Value: Many Victorian cameos have been handed down through families, making them cherished heirlooms. Maybe the family was your family!
- Investment Piece: Fine cameos are considered to be valuable collectibles.
How to Spot a Fake one?
In a recent post of our blog we taked about"How to tell if a cameo is real", so we'll just go in deep with it
Plastic or Resin: Modern fakes are often made from plastic or resin, which lack the depth and texture of natural materials: the color of the back looks always more or less the same! As said the contrast between the part engraved and the background looks stark.
Inconsistent Detailing: Fakes may have blurry or indistinct details, especially in the smaller areas of the cameo.
Uniform Coloration: The colors in a fake cameo may be too uniform or lack the subtle variations found in authentic pieces that use natural materials as shell for example
Machine-Made: Modern mass-produced cameos may show signs of machine tooling, such as repetitive patterns or a lack of individuality.
By carefully examining these factors, you can better appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty of a genuine Victorian cameo. If you are unsure about the authenticity of a particular piece, it is always best to consult with a qualified expert or simply ask for a Certificate. A fair jeweler will have no problem on issuing it.
Conclusion
Whether you are seeking a timeless heirloom or a unique piece of jewelry to express your individuality, Eredi Jovon has something to offer. Our Victorian cameos are a testament to the enduring power of beauty and the importance of preserving traditional craftsmanship.
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