Modern Cameos

IMG_6075 copy

I have just returned from the gem shows at Tucson Arizona. Tucson is the place where the whole gem and jewellery world gathers to who off what is new, interesting, and happening. I go there to learn what is in the market, to give lectures, and participate on specialist panels.

I was struck by the work of the Italian cameo worker Vincenzo Imposimato. The work of this artist is very distinctive. Even items that depict conventional images show unique elements, and most are entirely distinctive.

The designs are unlike others that I have seen. It is rare for cameos to be pierced with openings from front to back.

These carvings will make for very distinctive jewels.

At auction, we regularly feature cameos, and many of them are artist pieces that are unique representations of their own time. Recently, Lot 460 in the Spring 2013 sale featured a very fine art cameo by Nino Ammendola.460

About Duncan Parker

Duncan Parker, FGA, FCGmA, CAP (CJA), Vice President. Duncan is a columnist and contributor for industry magazines and journals. He has been an instructor of the gemstone course at Ryerson University, the Gemmology courses of George Brown College and Canadian Gemmological Association as well as instructor Master Valuer Program with the Canadian Jewellers Association. A renowned expert, he speaks regularly at international gem and jewellery conferences and symposiums, as well as at less formal events. He has served as President of the Canadian Gemmological Association since 1995. Before joining Dupuis Auctioneers, Duncan was a director of research at Harold Weinstein Ltd., a leading and respected jewellery appraisal company.
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