Cameos Old and New [Paperback]

Anna M. Miller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1998

Meets the rising demand for information about collecting, appraising, buying and selling cameos.

The only book of its kind, Cameos Old & New, 2nd Edition 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.

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

About the Author

Anna M. Miller, G.G., M.G.A., R.M.V, is a jewelry historian, author, lecturer and instructor.

The developer of the Master Valuer Program, a jewelry appraisal course that has been taught worldwide, she currently consults with individuals and companies on buying, selling, appraising, and interpreting the jewelry arts.

Miller is the author of five books on gems and jewelry, including The Illustrated Guide to Jewelry Appraising and Gems & Jewelry Appraising.

Product Details

• Paperback: 270 pages
• Publisher: Gemstone Pr; 2nd edition (May 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0943763177
• ISBN-13: 978-0943763170
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,896,813 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 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

This review is from: Cameos: Old & New, 3rd Edition (Paperback)

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.

11 of 11 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

This review is from: Cameos: Old & New, 3rd Edition (Paperback)

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.

10 of 10 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.