Modern Day Cameo Rings

It’s likely that either you or someone in your family may have a vintage cameo in their jewelry box. They’ve been around for centuries, carved in a traditional manner and commonly found in the form of a brooch. Recently I’ve seen many rings I would consider a “modern cameo.” The first such ring I saw was at Metier in Hayes Valley (San Francisco) by Gabriella Kiss. Instead of a whole face, it features just one eye — another, with a tear falling from the corner. Wouldn’t you agree this is a modern interpretation of a cameo?

gabriella kiss 18k eye love token ring
gabriella kiss 18k eye with tear ring
Then I came across Hannah Blount’s cameo collection. The design of this ring, the grey lady, with the head set on its side is simply amazing.

hannah blount medium grey lady ring with diamond
I also follow Hannah Blount on Instagram and couldn’t help but admire this combination of her designs.

hannah blount rings
Then there’s Anthony Lent, who has a bevy of smiling faces among his collection. I appreciate the rectangular boarder in juxtaposition with the curves of the face in his Brickface ring.

anthony lent brickface ring
Israeli designer Ari Kuperman has a more rustic version, made of sterling silver and gold. I could see this fitting in with a more bohemian/rock’n roll personal style.

ari kuperman silver statement face ring
I had to look twice when I first saw this Jurio Fujita Gold Face ring. Is it a human face? Or an alien? “It’s the elongated, otherworldy skulls of the Paracas excavation, deemed by Fujita as ‘neither homo sapiens nor Neanderthal.'” Interesting!

jurio fujita 18K yellow gold face ring
Then there’s this Fraser Hamilton Signet Head ring, which I suppose more resembles a modern intaglio ring, as the face is recessed.

fraser hamilton sterling silver portrait ring
I don’t know about you, but I’m completely intrigued by these unique designs. Perhaps it’s time to add one to my ring repertoire. What are your thoughts?

16 thoughts on “Modern Day Cameo Rings”

    1. No need to be sorry at all, Andrea! This is a perfect example of how jewlery really is art–the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Personally, I’d love to wear some of these. 🙂 This is why I think personal style is so cool — for everyone to wear what makes their heart sing.

      1. I do agree with you Amy. We each have our own unique, personal style and we should always honor that. It tells our story. I appreciate how you research and show many options for all of us!! I am a huge fan of yours and always have been.

  1. I would totally wear the Brickface ring. I had a gold ring w/a woman’s face that I wore for years. Her eyes were blue sapphires. I gave it up at a gold party because I had a falling out w/the designer. It was cool nonetheless & a conversation starter. Great post Amy.

  2. I love these, every one of them! I have always loved ~ and own more than one piece ~ jewelry with faces. I have necklaces, earrings and rings, and I really like them. None are quite the caliber of these pieces, though. I can’t wait to hear which one you buy!

    1. Glad you love them, Lisa! How interesting that you have a whole collection of jewelry with faces. I am going to have to save up my pennies to start my collection. 😉

      1. I create this jewelry series from 1975, before discovering in Paracas scull. Therefore I was surprised to hear news of Paracas scull. Another Gold-ring I create it in 1989 is like more sculptures, and it is similar to form of Paracas scull. And this Gold Ring invited from Musee Des Arts Decoratifs, Paris for IIIeme Triennale du Bijou Exhibition in 1992. Now it is one of private collection of the person who works very famous jewelry shop in Paris.

        1. Jurio–I’m SO honored that you took the time to comment on this post. I think your work is fascinating!!

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