Since the days of cave men and wall paintings, we as humans have had a knack for documenting our lives. Whether it be in an idealistic format such as a Romantic painting or as an exposure to the nitty gritty reality of the world in a documentary, the individual has always wanted to make his likeness a little more permanent and lasting.
In the world of clothing and accessories, the way that this knack/desire translates most explicitly is the cameo. Cameos date as far back as the 3rd century BC. In Greece the cameo took its most popular forms as signet rings and art. Made of stone (that involved two different colors in layers), cameos most often depicted Greek heroes and gods. As time progressed through the centuries, cameos tended to reflect images of women or loved ones. Typical cameos involve a side-view or silhouette of the face. And while they may have been made of precious stones in Ancient Greece or even when Queen Victoria made them popular in the 19th Century, they are now most commonly carved into shell.
On Friday, I found a cameo necklace on sale at Club Monaco. Slightly surprised at seeing such a vintage-y item, I picked it up and tried it on. Next thing I knew, I was carrying the weight of one more shopping bag. I wore it all weekend and have no desire to leave it to collect dust in my jewelry box anytime soon.
My mother told me that cameos had been a big trend in the 1990s. More than that, some of the cameos that linger around her room date back to the 1920s and beyond. In my opinion, they can class up an outfit in a second, add just the right finishing touch, or give your look an eclectic (vintage) vibe. For years I've been wearing a cameo ring that was made in the authentic manner and came from Old Sturbridge Village. But with the chance sighting of that Club Monaco necklace, I feel a trend coming on...and that trend is cameos.
You can wear them as rings, necklaces, brooches, or bracelets (although I have yet to see a cameo bracelet, I would be very excited to hear about any one who has...it could be fantastic. I'm thinking cameos set into cuffs). They can be set in gold, silver, etc. placed on chains, rings, pearls and more. They come in blues, pinks, ivory and different shades.
If you're still unsure about the new passion for cameo fashion that lovers of style will be having this Fall and Winter, check out the pictures below. Perhaps they'll manage to spark your fancy.
This was the necklace from Club Monaco that started this re-ignition of my passion for cameos. The blue on black is a more modern take of the cameo's traditional color balance. The black bow adds something sexy yet prim to the cameo's setting and acts as a softer transition from chain to art.
If you're looking for what a more classic cameo might look like, this is a fine example. The double pearl chain and larger cameo (this time with a more traditional color palate of light salmon and ivory) make this almost-choker something right out of 1928. Speaking of 1928, it's the company that made this piece. "For over 40 years, the 1928 Jewelry Company has drawn on a wealth of designs discovered in many unique, unexpected places. From the vaults of rich European capitals to the antique laden attics of old American estates, we’ve created modern replicas of the most beautiful, exquisite vintage jewelry ever made. The 1928 Jewelry Company was founded by Melvyn Bernie in 1968. Currently, the company has four lines under its signature brand name. The 1928 Brand has sought to provide exceptional value to the fashion savvy consumer who is dedicated to building her vintage jewelry collection with unique accessories. The jewelry in the 1928 collections are designed to respect the details of period pieces while offering fresh design interpretations to fit today’s styles and fashions" (www.1928.com). Personally, I wish there were more companies as dedicated to vintage as this one around.
The ring that I've worn around for years, is what I'm wearing in the picture above. There is something so delicate and classic about it. And although you can't see it here, it is a charcoal dusty blue with a pearlescent carving.
Jewelry makers have also taken some liberties with adapting the classic style. As you can see here with this ring, the artist chose an image of a mother holding her child (over the more favored old-fashioned silhouette). A piece like this beckons people to ask about it.
For those who want the "real deal" with vintage cameos, this came from an antique show that my mother went to in the 1980s. It was made decades before then. My favorite thing about it is the sense of personal history it contains with the inscription on the back.
And if you just can't get enough of cameos (before you get and wear your own), the video below is pretty interesting. It goes through exactly how cameos (today) are made.
