Vintage Sarah Coventry Silver Tone Clip-On Cameo Earrings c1950

Cameos are relief carvings, typically featuring the profile of a subject, traditionally a woman, set against a contrasting background. Historically, they were carved from gemstones like agate or onyx, or from shell, and were popular during the Roman Empire and saw significant revivals in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly during the Georgian and Victorian eras. These pieces were often worn as jewelry, such as brooches, pendants, and earrings, and were highly prized for their artistry and the skill required to create them. In the 20th century, with the rise of mass production and costume jewelry, cameos were often made from less expensive materials like plastic, resin, or glass. These modern interpretations mimicked the style of earlier, more valuable pieces, making the cameo aesthetic accessible to a wider audience. While not as valuable as their antique gemstone or shell counterparts, these vintage plastic cameos still hold collectible appeal for their nostalgic charm and representation of mid-century fashion trends.-Curio