The Royal Cameo

Richmond, Virginia, USA May 3rd, 2007

Chief William Miles, presents the Queen with the Pocahontas Cameo.

Here is a download of an e-book that tells the story of the Pocahontas Cameo.

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Cameos Old & New 4th Edition. Diana Jarrett has updated this great book. This is considered the definitive guide to the History of Cameos and Cameo Artists. Gareth Eckley is featured inside.

About Shell Cameos

Cameos on Shell

The earliest known use of shell for cameo carving was during the Renaissance, in the 15th and 16th centuries. Before that time, cameos were carved from hardstone. The Renaissance cameos are typically white on a grayish background and were carved from the shell of a mussel or cowry, the latter a tropical mollusk.

In the mid 18th century, explorations revealed new shell varieties. Helmet shells (Cassis tuberosa) from the West Indies, and queen conch shells (Strombus gigas) from the Bahamas and West Indies, arrived in Europe. This sparked a big increase in the number of cameos that were carved from shells. Conch shells carve very well, but their color fades over time.

After 1850 demand for cameos grew, as they became popular souvenirs of the grand tour among the middle class.

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