How do I know if my cameo is valuable?
An antique cameo should have a “c-clasp,” which means the brooch pin loops under a crescent shaped piece of metal to hold it in place. Since authentic cameos are set in gold or silver, you should always check the setting for a hallmark that indicates the kind of precious metal used (14K, 925, 999, etc.).
When was Krementz jewelry made?
April 1, 1866
On April 1, 1866, George Krementz established a jewelry manufacturing firm in Newark, New Jersey. The firm, which was originally known as Genung & Krementz, is better remembered by the name that marked its jewelry for over a century: Krementz & Company.
What is the significance of a cameo brooch?
A cameo is a small scene or figure carved in relief. This modern Italian word, meaning “to engrave”, is thought to have come from the ancient Arabic word “khamea”, meaning “amulet”. Folklore relates cameos’ mystic capacity to attract health and good fortune.
How old are cameos?
Cameo jewelry dates back to 3rd century B.C., making these pieces some of the most iconic on the vintage market. A cameo is a material that is carved with a raised relief that often depicts a profile of a face or a mythical scene.
Are old cameos worth anything?
A cameo is a material that is carved with a raised relief that often depicts a profile of a face or a mythical scene. Cameos are commonly made out of shell, coral, stone, lava, or glass. These are not hand-carved and are not worth a lot of money.
Does krementz make real gold?
It was his collar button design that made Krementz a well-known name in the jewelry industry. The buttons were designed in solid gold and were later constructed of gold overlay to be merchandised in unprecedented volumes.
Are cameo brooches valuable?
These are technically “real” cameos because they are made from a shell, and they are worth more than the plastic cameos, but they are still considered costume jewelry and thus are not very valuable. If the cameo jewelry has a gold hallmark, it is not a piece of costume jewelry.
Are left facing cameo rare?
Look at the direction of the face. The majority of antique cameos will have a figure facing right. After that, a leftward facing figure is most common, followed by a forward facing figure.
How can you tell a vintage brooch?
Check the length of the pin itself – generally speaking, the longer the pin, the older the brooch (this was perhaps due to clothing being much thicker and heavier in the old days, so a long pin was needed to keep it in place securely).