Pronunciation: [kˈamɪˌə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Cammeo" is unique and may be confusing to some. It is pronounced /kæˈmeɪ.oʊ/ and is derived from the Italian word "cammeo", meaning a carved gemstone or shell. The double "m" is used to indicate a lengthened sound, and the combination of the letters "meo" is pronounced as "may-o". This word is often used in reference to jewelry, where a cammeo would typically be a relief sculpture on a gemstone or shell.
Cammeo is a noun with its origins in the Italian language. It refers to a small stone or gem typically known for its exquisite carving or cameography. The word "cammeo" is also used to describe the art of engraving or carving delicate designs onto these stones. This intricate technique often results in raised relief images or designs contrasting against a background. The designs depicted on cammeos can vary greatly, featuring portraits, mythological motifs, flowers, or intricate scenes.
Cammeos are most commonly carved from materials such as agate, onyx, coral, or shell, exhibiting unique patterns and colors. The craftsman carefully carves these stones using specialized tools, removing layers to create the desired design with great precision and detail. Due to their beautiful craftsmanship and historical significance, cammeos have been highly prized throughout various cultures and periods. They have been considered symbols of opulence and luxury, often worn as jewelry pieces such as pendants, brooches, or rings.
In contemporary usage, "cammeo" can also refer to any small, detailed relief image or carving, even if it is not made of stone. This broader definition encompasses carvings made from different materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic. These modern cammeos still retain the characteristic of delicately carved, raised relief designs.
The word "Cammeo" has its roots in Italian and is derived from the Latin word "cammaeus" or "cammeus". The term originally referred to a gemstone with a carved, raised relief design, typically depicting a figure or scene in profile. The Latin word "cammaeus" was further derived from the Greek word "kamaios", which meant "a kind of precious stone" or "resembling an archaic convex shape". Over time, "cammeo" came to be used more broadly to describe any artwork, carving, or design featuring raised relief on a contrasting background, regardless of the material used. Today, the term "cammeo" is often used to describe a small carving or relief decoration, typically made of materials such as shell, coral, or stone.
