Cameos: Old & New, 3rd Edition (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Cameos  emperors have commissioned them, kings have acquired them, and at least since the fourth century B.C., collectors have cherished them..." (more)
Key Phrases: cameo collecting, lava cameos, cameo production, Metropolitan Museum, Ann Spector Collection, British Museum (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Covers the subject superbly for the beginner, is enough in depth for the collector, and is a useful guide for the appraiser. . . . A must for every appraiser's library." -- The Appraiser

"Goes beyond the gemstone materials and delves into the history and romance with fascinating tidbits and wonderful tips on dating and evaluation." -- Antoinette L. Matlins, P.G., lecturer and author of Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide and other books about jewelry, gems, and gemology.

"This book is like a cameo--dimensional, well-crafted with rich layers. A must buy for anyone involved in the collecting or appreciation of cameos." -- Jewelers' Circular Keystone

"Well organized, interestingly written, and easy to read. . . . Fills a gap in jewelry history and will be eagerly received by gemologists, jewelers, and lapidaries." -- Lapidary Journal --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

This book meets the rising demand for information about collecting, appraising, buying and selling cameos. The only book of its kind, the book provides a comprehensive reference for anyone interested in cameos, including how to: Build and care for a cameo collection; develop an eye for quality and an appreciation for cameos as 'art'; detect genuine cameos from among synthetics and imitations; 'circa date' cameos to differentiate old cameos from new; distinguish ultrasonically-produced cameos from hand-carved pieces; avoid the major pitfall -- the purchase of mediocre pieces, fakes, and forgeries; and much, much more.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Gemstone Press; 3 edition (October 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0943763363
• ISBN-13: 978-0943763361
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #915,864 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than just your grandmother's brooch, August 14, 2004

By	abt1950 "abt1950" (usa) - See all my reviews

When most people think of cameos, they think of the standard woman's profile carved from shell and mounted as a brooch or necklace. But the art of the cameo encompasses far more than that. Historically, it dates back to the ancient world, and over the centuries many materials have been used in making these works of art. Although female heads are probably the most common subject, mythological figures, animals, portraits of individuals, and many other things have found their way onto cameos. The quality can range all the way from cheap mass-produced modern items to fine hand-crafted pieces worthy of any museum.

Anna Miller's "Cameos" is a wonderful introduction to cameos. She covers the history of the form, the subjects normally found and what each one looks like--very useful in an age where few people know their mythology. She describes the different materials that have been used in making cameos--including lava from Mt. Vesuvius, shell, agate, onyx, plastic, and glass. There's an extensive section on how cameos are made and on the people who made (and make) them. One particularly useful discussion describes the differences between traditional hand-carved works and those made by modern ultrasonic machines (vital for any modern buyer). The author also gives information on how to evaluate quality and condition and on market value. The book is illustrated throughout with black and white pictures, and there is an extensive color section in the middle. One of the best things about this book is that the author is able to convey her appreciation of the art of cameos to the reader. "Cameos" is an essential reference for anyone who wants to acquire a knowledge and understanding of this art. Highly recommended.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review by a Cameo carver., December 12, 2003

By	Gareth Eckley (Wales, UK.) - See all my reviews

I am one of the small number of portrait cameo carvers on gemstone.

I found this book to be excellent. There is a wealth of detail on all aspects of cameos. There are also good illustrations. There is valuable info for collectors on identifying and valuing Cameos.

Information on how to distinguish Ultrasonic Cameos from the more valuable hand-carved cameos is given.

You will gain a lot of knowledge on how Cameos are made and valued from reading this title.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Substantially revised, updated and expanded in a fourth edition, March 23, 2002

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cameos Old and New (Paperback)

Cameos were a hallmark of social status and intrinsically beautiful adornments down through the centuries. Anna M. Miller's "Cameos: Old & New" has now been substantially revised, updated and expanded by Diana Jarrett for this newly published fourth edition of an antiques industry standard reference. A core reference guidebook, "Cameos: Old & New" provides invaluable information, instruction and advice on where to seek out cameos for acquisition, distinguishing old cameos from new ones, imitations and synthetic cameos from antiquarian ones, and separating ultrasonically produced cameos from hand-carved ones. Enhanced with a profusion of black-and-white as well as color images, "Cameos: Old & New" also covers defining the value of cameos, buying cameos from retailer sand dealers through either the Internet or at auction, ranging and classifying cameos, reviews of cameo artists from around the globe including contact information, and offering a cogent explanation of 'The MasterValuer Program' with respect to cameos. Laced throughout with 'info bits' of special interest to cameo enthusiasts and collectors, "Cameos: Old & New" is an essential reference and a welcome addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library Antiques & Collectibles guidebook collections.