The cameo is a very elegant piece of jewelry that has recently come back into fashion, but due to its popularity, there are more realistic imitations nowadays than ever before.There are a few clues to consider when looking for an authentic antique or modern day imitation.
Step 1: Know which materials are authentic.
Natural stone or porcelain can be used to make authentic carved and painted cameos.Any carved cameo made from a natural material can be considered authentic.Shell, agate, carnelian, ivory, lava, coral, jet, bone, mother of pearl, and various gemstones are some of the materials used.A cameo is a fake if it has been made with plastic.
Step 2: The cameo should be inspected for cracks.
Go up to the light.No cracks or chips should be seen in the foundation material.Soft plastic chips are easier than shell, porcelain, and stone.The hard resins are chip resistant.The cameo's value is more important than its authenticity.There are signs of damage that will cause the market value to decline.
Step 3: The direction of the face should be looked at.
Most antique cameos have a figure facing right.A leftward facing figure is the most common after that.This alone is not an indication of authenticity since figures on authentic vintage cameos can face in any of these three directions.The fact that the figure faces left or forward instead of right could give you more reason to doubt.
Step 4: Take a look at the facial features.
There are high-quality figures on an authentic cameo.The natural curves of the chin and mouth should be reflected in the design, and the figure will usually have rounded cheeks.Portrait cameos from the Victorian era have straight noses.Before the 1860s, portraits with strong Roman noses are usually dated.A nose that looks cute or button-like is usually a new cameo created in the 21st century.If the nose is turned up and the features are flat, that could be a sign that the cameo is modern and likely created with lasers.
Step 5: You should note the type of pin.
Look at the pin on the back of the cameo.A plain "c-clasp" is what an antique or vintage piece will usually have.The brooch pin has a "c-clasp" under it.There isn't a roll-over fitting to keep the end in place.
Step 6: Take detail into account.
Fine details on the carving or painting are included in many antique pieces.These features include earrings, pearl necklaces, loose curls, and flowers.When a piece is fake, some detail can indicate it.Many laser cut imitations have a white band near the outer border.The cameos will be set in gold frames.The frames are filled with silver and gold.This is not always the case and many have no settings at all.The frames may be further decorated with stones, but this is not always true.
Step 7: Take the cameo out of your hand.
Heavy base metals are used to set plastic and glass cameos.They are usually heavier than shell and porcelain.Weight alone is not a good indication of authenticity.Stone cameos are heavier than their shell and porcelain counterparts.
Step 8: Look at the finish.
You can observe the way the light hits it by turning the cameo in your hand.A shell cameo should not have a glossy appearance.Many natural materials are difficult to buff after being carved, so this is true of most carved cameos.This isn't a perfect test because some stone cameos might be slightly shiny.
Step 9: Look at the back.
You can brush the back with your index finger.If the shell is real, you should feel a slight curve.Shells have a naturally curved surface, so a cameo carved from a shell will usually have this curve.The curve could be slight.This doesn't apply to natural carved cameos made from stones or other materials.
Step 10: The cameo is in strong light.
With the back of the piece facing you, hold the cameo up against the sunlight on a bright day or against a strong artificial light.If your cameo is made from shell, you should be able to see the entire silhouette.This isn't true of most stone cameos.Some plastic cameos are thin and may show the silhouette.This isn't a perfect test when done on its own.
Step 11: To look for marks, use a strong magnifying glass.
The front of the cameo should be looked at with a strong magnifying glass.You should be able to see the marks made by the carving tool.It's true for all naturally carved cameos.The lines and curves of the design will usually be followed by carve marks.It is not a good idea to see scratches that don't follow the lines as an indication of authenticity.
Step 12: Feel the temperature.
For a short time, hold the cameo in your hand.A plastic piece will warm up quicker than a real stone because of the temperature in the room and the heat of your skin.The cameo could be held to your wrist or chin.The areas are cooler than the palm of your hand and may give you a better indication.
Step 13: Test the strength of the object.
If you want to hear the sound it produces, hit the cameo against your tooth.It is likely made from plastic.A cameo that sounds solid is likely made of stone or another natural material.When doing this test, be careful.If you strike the piece against your teeth too hard, it could damage your tooth.
Step 14: Use a hot needle.
Put a sewing needle under a small flame or under running water and poke it into the cameo.It won't damage shell or stone, but it will easily melt soft plastic.The test may not work because many modern resins are too hard to melt easily.Don't handle the hot needle in a way that could cause an accidental burn.Hold the needle with plastic tweezers and wear heat-proof gloves.
Step 15: Take a look at the cameo for surface paint or chips.
The decorated front surface of the piece should be looked at.The number of deep scratches and chips should be small.The quality of paint used by vintage artisans is usually better than the fakes.The design should be fairly intact because real cameos were made to last.This is an indication of the value.The value of the cameo is affected by scratched designs.
Step 16: Do you know how new it is?
An authentic piece won't look new because of the minimal damage to the cameo.There will be faded colors, light scratches in the paint, and other signs of wear.If the painting and the piece itself look new, it probably is.
Step 17: Under magnification, check the cameo.
The front and back of the piece can be looked at with a magnifying glass.Even though there should be few scratches that are obvious with the naked eye, you can see some faint scratches under this magnification.