Types of Shell Cameos

Carnelian

• Cameos from the carnelian conch shell, one of the most frequent shells used for cameo carving, are reddish-brown, peach or orange. The most expensive cameos of this type will have a high color contrast with a very light carving and a dark background. Carnelian conch shells are most often found off the coast of West Africa.

Sardonyx

• Sardonyx shells create a look similar to marble and often are the most expensive type of shell cameo. Thicker than some other shell types, sardonyx shells are light-colored on the outside and dark brown inside. Cameos made from sardonyx shells typically have a stark white carved image with a dark brown background. Sardonyx shells can be found in the waters off of Italy, Central America, East Africa, the Bahamas and Caribbean islands.

Mother of Pearl

• One of the rarer shell types from which cameos are made, mother of pearl comes from the inside of oysters or mussels. Mother of pearl can be extremely delicate, making it difficult to carve. However, cameos created from this type of shell are typically pale blue in color and have a luminescent appearance, much like a pearl.