As early as 300BC Egyptians wore cameo’s as jewelry, on helmets, and rings carved out of stone and precious stones. They were usually worn by men to signify their family or military branch, and it’s importance.
While Queen Elizabeth of England made them popular as “jewelry”, even during the Renaissance era Pope Paul II was an avid collector. During that time tourists were also flocking to Pompeii and the local craftsmen had started the tradition of using shells to hand carve lady’s profiles.
Enter…”Chero” (pronounced Cheer-Oh)…a second generation craftsmen of cameo’s in Naples. His shop is right by the large Fort Saint Elmo’s and he will be happy to show you how he carves his master pieces! The passion he has about his craft is apparant and his shop
He uses two different shells, small hand tools and an amazing vision. He had cameo pins, earrings, necklaces…even clip on earrings! His partner “Renalto” was a wonderful story teller as well. He pulled out the real treasures once he realized we were really going to shop and were not “just looking”.
Stop by and see the treasures they create….
Chero explains the different shells.
He uses white, peach and grey-all are found in one shell-he doesn’t waste any of the shell.
These were the “real treasures”! Aren’t they beautiful?
