Question for Experts In Cameos

Does anyone know of a conch shell brooch that has at least a 2 carat diamond embedded or set IN the cameo, and not the bezel setting?

I see tiny diamonds as necklaces and earrings. But, I've never seen a large stone set in a cameo.

If you know of any, please post a photo. I searched and AI searched and came up with nothing.

If you know why there aren't any, please let me know. It's weird for a artform around for centuries that it's never been done.

 

@Bronwen

 

that's a big expensive diamond.......... & why would someone want to stick that on a cameo , and how would such a large stone complement the work...or even fit in with the subject matter ?????

the small ones work as jewelry accents...

but a 2 carat....... where would one even put it ?

 

I would think that someone would have thought of some theme that would use a diamond as a huge accent. The wearer would not only show off the carving but the stone. It couldn't be a portrait. It would have to be some sort of scene. I don't know. I figured everything has been done.

Given the right idea, I bet it'd be stunning.

That's a beauty in the photo. Most of the ones I see, do little to nothing for me.

 

it's the carving that matters.......... that's why the shiny bling, is on the mount !!

 

Ditto.
Cameo carvers are entirely different artisans from diamond cutters. It has to do with traditional culture and even religion.
Most cameos are made in southern Italy (Naples etc), where people have always worn colourful dress and more flamboyant jewellery.
Ever since the fall of Antwerp in 1585 the diamond centre of the world has been Amsterdam. There is a reason for that. The rich Protestants of the north wore more subdued colours, often black, and jewellery in subtle tones. Pearls and diamonds were typical stones of the Protestant north. Expensive pieces to show off their wealth, but all in one or two colours to comply with their religion.

 

I rarely see conch cameos that are en habillé. I am not a lover of en habillé cameos in general, as the cameo & the stone are rarely cut to complement one another. You end up with a figure in profile wearing a forward facing rock most of the time.

I can't steer you to an example of what you are looking for that is for sale, but here are the pix I have of the combo:



You would need quite a large cameo for it not to be overwhelmed by the stone. I can imagine it being employed to good effect in a scene that includes a star, as in many allegories of Hope.

 

YAY Bronwen !!!

 

I have to be honest with you, if I saw any of those in a store I'd walk past.

This I'd grab in a second. I'd have to. Because the price of it I'd never afford if I saved from my first job to the SS I collect now.


I agree it'd have to be something like a star or something that compliments the carving. I'm not going to ruin it. But, before Feb 2027 we might know. As of now, we won't. I think we're going the route I don't want to.

 

Same here.