History

The art of engraving dates back over 18,000 years, with stone carvings (petroglyphs).

This technique was later emulated and refined by the Etruscans and Phoenicians, who carved scenes of everyday life using sardonyx stone, a precious stone composed of multiple layers. The most common depictions were elements of the natural world, angels, public figures, as well as deities and the classic female face.

During the Roman Empire, the engraving technique was refined, and the creations became more refined and detailed.

During the Middle Ages, however, the use of cameos was discouraged by the Christian religion, to prevent the spread of pagan images or mythological figures.

During the Renaissance, Lorenzo de' Medici revived the cameo, transforming it into a precious object, so much so that it was worn only by nobles.

And it was precisely during this period, following the discovery of America, that the engraving technique began to be applied to shells, which featured a multi-layered surface of different colors, allowing for a clear and defined representation of the figure in relief against the background, which remained a different color.

Sovereigns, the nobility, and the nascent bourgeoisie, throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, appreciated this artistic gem, so much so that it became a jewel to be passed down.

Queen Elizabeth I of England regularly gifted her guests with a brooch or pendant with cameos, while Empress Josephine de Beauharnais had her portrait painted wearing a precious cameo jewelry set. Thus, the use of cameos spread to Northern Europe, making them popular and coveted.

Uniqueness

In recent years, even the new generations have appreciated and re-evaluated them, sometimes thanks to a more attractive design, recognizing the cameo as a highly versatile, customizable product. After years of standardization, here is an example of true craftsmanship: each product will be similar to another but, even if only for a few details, it will be UNIQUE.