Around 1800, the young Francesco Apa left his family to study cameo carving in the Vatican School in Rome. Having a great aptitude for the art, he set out to open his own shop in 1825 in the Italian town of Torre del Greco and worked until his death. Francesco's only son, Giovanni, continued the work loved by his father and soon secured his own spot as master of the art. Traditional cameos carved in stone required expensive diamond tools and hindered intricate detailing. Giovanni discovered that conch shells could be carved with fantastic results. By removing the creamy ivory top layer of the shell, Giovanni revealed the underlying pinkish tones perfect for contrast. This innovation established Torre del Greco as the center for cameo work. Today, the fourth generation of the Apa family continues traditions almost two centuries old.

Botticelli's famous Primavera inspired the scene depicted in our Three Graces cameos carved by Mr. Giovanni's descendants. The Three Graces, daughters of Zeus and dancers on Mt. Olympus, represent Aglaea (beauty), Euphrosyne (mirth), and Thalia (good cheer). The Female Portrait cameos showcase the intricacies of hand shell carvings. From the strands of hair to the flowers by her side, no detail was omitted. Like the Three Graces, female profiles remain a favorite of cameo carvers, each coming to life with her own personality.

Due to the handcrafted nature of these Italian cameos, each will vary slightly based on the artist's personal carving style. A 14K yellow gold ribbon circles each miniature artwork. The 16 mm earrings have 14K gold backs. The pendant measures 16 mm. The 30 mm broach also includes a hook for use on a chain as a pendant.