In the days before
photography, hand painted or carved cameos and intaglios were
a way to preserve the likenesses of loved ones, of kings and
queens, mythological images, and fictional characters. Carved
from gemstones, shell or ivory, cameos offered high relief and
are very detailed works of art. Intaglios worked in reverse,
as the carver carved into the gemstone for an indented image.
 The
use of vellum (playing cards), mother-of-pearl and ivory allowed
the Limner’s (miniature portrait artists) to paint detailed
miniature portraits with amazing results.
No matter what
the subject matter, these little works of art were used as tokens
of affection and regards. They were reminders of loyalty to the
crown, of love lost and found, and the intimacy of family (the
living and the dead). Men and women wore miniature portraits,
cameos and intaglios set into jewelry, so that the images could
be viewed easily.
Portrait Jeweled
Cuff evokes the style of the early Renaissance and the late 18th
to early 19th century portrait style bracelets. A central component
is bezeled and surrounded with pearls to draw the eye to the
center of the cuff. For balance, two beautiful CZ trillions are
bezeled and embellished with beaded leaves, framing the central
portrait. All components are attached to a flat peyote stitch
base that completely covers a *brass form (see note below).
In the 18th century style, Jeweled Earrings (©2012 by Cynthia Rutledge) would make the perfect accompaniment
to Portrait Jeweled Cuff, making for a set, ensemble or parure.
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
This is a 2-day
workshop.
*Brass forms: I am having
these forms custom made in the USA. I will have three different
widths, and more importantly, 3 different lengths. Having the
three lengths makes for a custom fit.
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