Cameos: Classical to Costume (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) [Hardcover]

Monica Lynn Clements (Author), Patricia Rosser Clements (Author)

Book Description

Series: A Schiffer Book for Collectors | Publication Date: January 1998

This book is the first of its kind and the result of a labor of love by the authors, who researched the history of cameos and took over 500 color photographs of cameo jewelry. Over 1400 examples of cameo jewelry are depicted, representing a time span from the 1700s to the present. Subjects covered include mythological motifs of classical gods and goddesses, religious subjects and scenes, and the ever-present anonymous woman. A history of the cameo is provided, followed by individual chapters covering each of the materials used to make cameos, including amber, amethyst, glass, jasper ware, lava, mother-of-pearl, opal, plastics, quartz, shell, topaz, and Wedgwood. The beautiful, detailed photographs show the unique artistry and design of the cameos and their settings. This extensive book and price guide will appeal to all who appreciates the cameo's timeless appeal.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Cameos were originally carved out of single multilayered stones, but since the 18th-century "classical" period, lava, shell, glass, plastics, and other materials have been used. This general history is very briefly told in Cameos, which at its best is a visual feast for enthusiasts of this type of jewelry. Over 1400 pieces are pictured in full color, though occasionally the illustrations are unclear owing to the small size of the items or shadows on detail. Accompanying captions state materials, dates, sizes, and prices. Information is gleaned from antique dealers and collectors?presumably acquaintances of the authors, who are also dealers?but not from curators. Readers are thus advised to consult experts, refer to other publications, and examine actual pieces to gain familiarity with variations in quality and authenticity. This book can offer a broad first exposure to acquaint beginning collectors of cameos, but, given its price, it is best suited to large public libraries.?Therese Duzinkiewicz Baker, Western Kentucky Univ. Libs., Bowling Green
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Monica Lynn Clements is a teacher, writer, and antiques dealer specializing in rare books. Patricia Rosser Clements is a longtime antiques collector whose other interests include art, design and photography.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 222 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Pub Ltd (January 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764304267
• ISBN-13: 978-0764304262
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,276,384 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Only for a beginner, and not terribly informative, May 15, 2002

By A Customer

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This review is from: Cameos: Classical to Costume (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

Expectations of visual and historical information for this expensive book should be high. But exceptionally poor photography and lack of any rigorous understanding of the history of jewelry and design in the text from these authors rate this book a tepid two stars only. It should have been better, coming from this antique specialty publisher, since it is a facinating subject, and there isn't much available in print.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars cameos classical to costume, August 10, 2000

By 

Rita clinton (Prince edward Island Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cameos: Classical to Costume (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

I have had this book for the past year and have been a cameo collector for 25 years and this is my favorite book of all my collectors books ,I use it nearly every day to chech things out or to just browse and wish.It is very informative and the pictures are clear .I highly recommend this book to any cameo collector ,

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Too expensive and not comprehensive, July 27, 2006

By 

Herby Hobby "Herby's Hobbys" (West Palm Beach, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cameos: Classical to Costume (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

It definitely should have been better! Pictures and info lack any real knowledge of the subject, and often times just had wrong information. Very disappointed. A big book with little value to me.