Cameo Habille
cam·eo ha·bille | ˈka-mē-ˌō ˈhä-bēēy
noun
Most often, a depiction of a female who is carved wearing a diamond pendant, earrings, or a crown
Cameo habilles are a special type of cameo jewelry, typically necklaces or broaches. With these raised image jewelry pieces, the profile of the woman or man featured in the cameo is typically adorned with a detachable diamond pendant, earrings, crown, or tiara. Sometimes the women featured in cameo habilles are wearing detachable pearls. In the term, “cameo habille,” the French word “habille” means dressed. This means that cameo habille literally means “dressed cameo,” which is a reference to the detachable diamond or pearl element. Cameo habilles have a rich history. They can be founded dating back to the Renaissance time period. Some famous cameo habilles depict profiles of royal and military elite of the times they were created, such as profiles of Napoleon. An upscale cameo, many cameo habilles are encircled with diamonds and gemstones, making them even more desirable pieces of jewelry and increasing their value in today’s market.