Cameo: an ancient jewel of great charm

The cameo is an ancient jewel born from a shell expertly carved and transformed into an ornament.

The cameo (also called cammeo in Italian) is a jewel with ancient origins, created by engraving a stratified stone – usually onyx – or a shell. In the latter case, Cypraecassis rufa, Cassis madascarensis and Cassis cornuta are chosen, as they have a shell formed by various layers with distinct colours, which allows for better isolation of a figure in relief against the background. A wonderful gift for an original and meaningful engagement ring.

Cameo: history and craftsmanship

During the Renaissance, cameo craftsmanship reached its peak, so much so that these jewels spread throughout the world, making their creation even more a true art. Today, production is artisanal and passed down from father to son, so much so that only a few people in the world are able to create this precious artefact.

The process is quite long and laborious, divided into various phases. Usually, a tiny bas-relief picture is created, which is then finalised, telling a story or imprinting a memory (the face of a person or an animal).

Cameo: the meaning

The name cameo derives from the Arabic word gama’il, which means "flower bud", later modified by the French who coined the term camaheu. For centuries, cameos were produced to identify power and family belonging, but also to preserve important memories and symbols.

For this reason, the cameo has often been considered a traditional jewel, perfect for formal occasions. Despite this, in recent times the cameo has started to become a cool accessory, to be worn with many different looks, such as an emerald ring. Thanks to designers and fashion bloggers, who have decided to dust off a trend that has ancient origins.

It can also be personalised, making it a perfect gift for expectant mothers, like birth jewellery and angel caller necklaces.

Cameo: how to wear it and what to pair it with

How to wear a cameo? This jewel can be paired with many different outfits depending on your needs. If you dream of a romantic and classic style, opt for a cameo with a classic black choker or a pearl necklace, which will give your look a rock-chic vibe. Those who don't want to give up modernity can combine the cameo with velvet or white lace, to elegantly highlight a neckline.

This accessory is also perfect for everyday wear, with a casual and simple look. Pair it with a long chain that reaches your stomach, combined with a blazer jacket or a winter bag of the same colour to be cool on every occasion. Finally, if you don't want to go unnoticed, choose the most modern version of the cameo… the maxi one! In fact, many designers have decided to revisit this great classic, giving us colourful and very particular oversized models. To avoid mistakes, combine these models with very simple clothes with clean lines, for example, an elegant black sheath dress or a masculine-cut suit.