Early Greek and Roman carvings featured images of gods and goddesses, themes from mythology, beautiful women and biblical events or other great events.
Many cameos through history depict living heroes or rulers.
In the Hellenistic era young women used cameos as charms to express desire. A woman could wear a cameo depicting a dancing Eros as a seductive invitation to love.
Women began collecting cameos to prove cultural status during the Elizabethan period. At the same time, tourist travels to the ruins of Pompeii were on the rise and women began collecting shell and lava cameos as souvenirs to remember their travel.
During the 18th century, men purchased these carved gems to mark their prestige and culture.
Mass produced cameos are generally molded and not carved.
Victorian women considered a cameo carved in their personal likeness a prized possession.
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