QuestionI have a shell hand carved cameo that was purchased in Italy in the early 1940's. I would like your help in identifying the design and the approximate age of the cameo. I have a photo that I can email to you.
Thank you for your help.
Pam Pearson
609-577-5001
AnswerG'day Pam and many thanks for your query
However I am unable to help you for a couple of reasons. The first is we are not permitted to receive emails with attachments so sending me a photo would be imposible.
Secondly (this releates to the first) without seeing it, feeling it, touching it, testing it - I couldn't give you any info except a general one.
Unlike diamonds, there is no way to test for a specific manufacturer as the shell carving industry is so HUGE that they churn out cameos for a World Market.
There are literaly thousands of carvers producing every day, no one single carver any better or more famous than any other. It's a Mass market industry.
Designs are usually based on what the public want - classic poses of 3 maidens - Gods - Romans etc and are done over and over again - even from the 1940's.
You would best be served by visiting eBay and doing a search for Cameos until you find something similar.
Sorry I can't be any more help.
