Cameo << KAM ee oh >> is an engraved gem. Most cameos are made of stones or shells that are stratified—that is, they are formed in layers. Artists cut a design into the top layer to produce a beautiful color contrast with the next layer. Thus, a cameo is actually a miniature bas-relief sculpture. See Relief (Low relief).
The most commonly used materials for cameos are shell, coral, and a variety of quartz called chalcedony (see Chalcedony). Imitation cameos are most often made from glass or plastics. Cameos were introduced during the Hellenistic Age in Greece (about 323 to 100 B.C.). The Romans also produced excellent cameos. Today, most cameos are produced in Italy, Germany, and Japan.
