"Cameo" refers to the technique of carving in relief. Primarily used on helmet shell, pink conch shell and banded agate, utilizing the contrasting layers. Cameo workmanship on a variety of media is well known including ivory, jet, bog oak, coral, amber, turquoise and opal. In many cases the quality of the carving can be worth more than the gold work. Much of the cameo work is in neo classical style and many pieces in the Victorian era have a symbolic meaning as well.
-Ronnie Bauer