When you think of cameos, you might picture antique jewelry from the Victorian era, or something even older, like the famous onyx cameos of ancient Rome. These carvings, often worn as a pendant, ring, or earring, can be carved into a surface, or the surface can be carved around the image, creating a raised relief. It is a style of jewelry that can seems quaint or old-fashioned, like something that belongs in a museum or to be worn only as part of an overall “antique” aesthetic. But the cameo can be so much more.
Ancient Form
It is an ancient art form, but modern technology lets us create something new and timeless. Using state-of-the-art laser carving from Germany, we can etch stunning images using the traditional cameo medium of onyx and shell. The laser gives us a lot of precision and frees us to create even more imaginative, intricate designs. The result is something far more ethereal, whimsical, and stylish than the traditional cameo. And for lovers of modular jewelry, some of our cameos are designed to pair with your favorite chain, so you can swap them out depending on the mood or occasion.
Many classic cameos, whether from Rome, Europe, England, or India, tend to depict famous historical figures in profile. Fans of Syna know we love to depict beautiful scenes from nature. Our cameos capture these scenes in all their gorgeous complexity thanks to our laser etching techniques. Lovebirds on a blooming branch or the details of a butterfly’s wings jump out in an elegant black and blue-gray contrast. And for those with the wanderlust of the swallow, there’s a striking compass pendant in black onyx, 18-karat yellow gold, and black diamonds just for you.
Modern Sensibility
We try to inject a modern sensibility into even our more traditional cameos, like our Mogul Opal Carved Horse Pendant. The horse and its mane are rendered in great detail in sparkling Australian opal, standing out against an amber opal backing. We love the eye-catching play of color that occurs when light strikes opal. It’s the perfect medium for this kind of piece, striking a balance between classical elegance and a modern, fun vibe. Though it has a few of the familiar elements of the antique cameo, the asymmetrical border of 18k yellow gold and champagne diamonds adds a fresh take to a classic look. Framing the luminescent white horse, it’s a look we know you’ll fall in love with.
