Cameo: the Jewellery of the sea (still) to be discovered

Cameos are more than just jewelry: they're a hallmark of a region, a history, and an artisanal culture that stands the test of time. In Torre del Greco, for centuries a meeting point of art and nature, cameos are much more than ornaments: they're a form of expression, born from the sea and skillfully carved by expert hands.

Their origin from a simple shell always sparks amazement, even disbelief. It's precisely this contrast - between the humble raw material and the refined result - that surprises those encountering them for the first time. The art of cameo-making stems from a living, organic material, shaped through techniques passed down from generation to generation. Each carving is unique, unrepeatable, laden with history and talent.

Yet, cameos remain little known or misunderstood by many. The definition given by a dictionary - "relief obtained from working hard stones with layers of different colors" - is correct but reductive. It's not enough to convey the poetry hidden behind each carved figure, nor the symbolic value this jewel holds for its land of origin.

It's understandable, then, that there's confusion, not just among the general public but also among some industry professionals. The authentic cameo is an artisanal treasure, an identity product that deserves to be rediscovered, narrated, and valued for what it truly is: a jewel of the sea and human ingenuity, deeply rooted in the artistic tradition of Torre del Greco.

Moderator:
Steven Tranquilli, Director of Federpreziosi Confcommercio Nazionale

Speakers:
Vincenzo Aucella, Entrepreneur, Deputy Vice President of Federpreziosi Confcommercio Nazionale and President of Assocoral
Loredana Prosperi, Director of the Italian Gemological Institute

Organized by Assocoral – Federpreziosi Confcommercio and Italian Gemological Institute
Streaming event on The Jewellery Connect