Carved Carnelian and Cameos
Portraits in Miniature
Carved Gems
During my visits to museums filled with Roman artefacts, I have discovered many tiny carved gems and cameos. Their intricate carvings fascinate me. Here are some of the jewels that I have found.
Cameos
As a child, I remember my mother cherishing her cameo jewellery. I never imagined that cameos had been popular 2000 years ago.
Vases with Cameo Decoration
Cameo technique was also used in ancient vases to create elaborate decoration. Two excellent examples are the Portland Vase in the British Museum and the Blue Vase in the Naples Archaeological Museum.
Info on Ancient Gems from the Getty Museum
A piece from The Getty Iris, Ancient Ruins – Parts of the Past as Well as the Present.
Also, the Getty Museum’s short video about how carnelian is carved into a portrait in miniature.