Cameo Brooch Value & Price Guide

Cameo brooches are timeless pieces of wearable art that feature intricate relief carvings against a contrasting background. These collectibles range from high-end Victorian shell masterpieces to mid-century costume jewelry, offering a unique blend of history and craftsmanship for every level of collector.

Price Range: $50 - $75 based on recent sales

History of Cameo Brooch

The art of the cameo brooch dates back to antiquity, but it saw a massive resurgence during the Victorian era when Queen Victoria's personal affinity for the style made them a staple of women's fashion. Originally carved from hardstone or sardonyx, the 19th century introduced shell and lava as popular mediums, often depicting mythological scenes or elegant profiles. By the mid-20th century, the cameo was reimagined by costume jewelry giants like Coro and Florenza, who utilized glass and resin to make the aesthetic accessible to the post-war middle class. Today, these pieces serve as a chronological map of jewelry evolution, from the hand-chiseled Art Deco designs of the 1920s to the mass-produced but highly collectible floral motifs of the 1970s.

Value Factors for Cameo Brooch

The typical price range for Cameo Brooch is $50 - $75 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The carving material, with natural shell, coral, and lava generally commanding higher prices than molded glass or plastic.
• The intricacy and subject matter of the carving, where rare mythological scenes like the 'Three Graces' are more sought after than standard female profiles.
• The metal quality of the frame, ranging from base metals and gold-fill to solid 14k or 18k gold settings.
• The presence of a dual-purpose 'pendant-brooch' finding, which increases versatility and market demand.

Tips for Buying Cameo Brooch

• Examine the material under a loupe to distinguish between hand-carved natural shell, which shows growth lines, and molded plastic or glass which may have bubbles or seams.
• Hold the cameo up to a strong light source to check for 'stress lines' or internal cracks that can significantly decrease the structural integrity and value.
• Verify the setting and clasp style; Victorian pieces often feature a 'C-clasp' while mid-century items like those from Coro or Florenza typically use a safety pin mechanism.
• Look for a signature or hallmark on the reverse, as designer names like Catamore or PERI can help authenticate the era and origin.

Items in This Collection

• Three Graces Cameo Brooch
• Italian Cameo Brooch
• Gerrys Cameo Brooch
• Coro Cameo Brooch
• Vintage Cameo Brooch
• Glass Cameo Brooch
• Art Deco Cameo Brooch
• Florenza Cameo Brooch
• Shell Cameo Brooch
• Lava Cameo Brooch
• PERI Cameo Brooch
• Vintage Glass Cameo Brooch
• Catamore Cameo Brooch
• Vintage Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant
• Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch
• Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant