Hi that's great! If it passed the famous tooth test and feels gritty along the teeth then that's a pretty good clue that it is a genuine Italian shell cameo and not made of a composite material.
Further, if the cameo shell is pink on the reverse of the shell, the cameo is an ANGELSKIN cameo. Angelskin cameos are a whitish with delicate pink undertones, and more rare and so in keeping with the delicate nature of the antique cameo, and much sought after by cameo collectors, especially if the cameo carving is crisp and in good condition.
teeth test says its not composite. feels rough and gritty. the front is white but the back looks pinkish. thanks
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Testing a shell cameo by: Anonymous
Hi - I had a quick look and unfortunately couldn't find your original post. If you have the time if you could scan the questions at the bottom of the page on the Antique Cameo Questions I'm sure you might be able to see your original question.
Based on the above photo, we need to first determine the material that was used for the cameo relief of our pretty maiden facing left. Many a faux cameo has been inappropriately mounted into an antique gold setting for obvious reasons. So for now let's determine the material of the cameo itself.
Is it shell, ivory perhaps, lava or a composite material? Unfortunately there are some excellent composition cameos on the market. With a bit of practice shell cameo's can be visually defined physically but not so well using a photo on the internet.
That's why it's important, especially when you are investing in expensive antique cameo jewelry to examine the reverse of the cameo, not just the carving but also the findings on the back, also known in the industry as the - hardware.
If you have a gold testing kit, place a very small drop of nitric acid on the underside of the cameo in an inconspicuous spot. You will be able to detect authentic shell cameo or animal ivory IMMEDIATELY. A shell or ivory cameo will "bubble" at the spot on the underside where the small drop of nitric acid was placed. The acid will not damage the cameo but I am always especiallly careful when using nitric acid. A composition cameo will not react to the nitric acid.
If you do not have a gold testing kit you can try the famous tooth test that many people use to help identify cultured pearls from faux.
reply to question about title of other... by: Anonymous
im not sure but i think it was the same title or simular. i was asking the age and value of the cameo/brooch. sorry i cant remember the title. thanks
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White Cameo by: Anonymous
Hi there - lovely cameo! Could you please let me know (by replying here) what the title was for your ORIGINAL question and I'll move this photo over to there.
It just makes it easier and quicker for me as it could take me an hour or more to find your original question. Thanks.
