Portrait Cameos on Gemstone
Unique Custom Rings, Cameo Portrait Pendants & Brooch Pins
Custom Cameo Necklace in Platinum
Her Beautiful Daughter
An 18 kt Gold Butterfly Accent Charm
The cameo arrived about 10 minutes ago. It's breathtaking. Thank you so much for your beautiful masterpiece.
My friends are in absolute AWE of your work and several have requested more info. Warm regards, Stacy...USA
Cameo Necklace for a Wedding
The bride wanted a special gift. The wedding photo of her grandma, as a cameo pendant and brooch pin.
Engagement Gift - Cameo Locket
A gift to celebrate their engagement. Set with his grandmothers diamonds in 18kt Gold. Opens to reveal a gemstone cameo.
Birthday Cameo Necklace for Mom
I was contacted by a son who wanted to give his mother a cameo portrait to celebrate her 80th birthday.
A Christmas Gift for His Wife
White gold necklace, with pearls. Set with a wedgewood blue gemstone cameo portrait of his wife.
Gold Cameo
Art nouveau brooch by Rene Lalique from 1905. Your portrait can be carved onto 14, 18, 22, or 24kt Gold.
I can't begin to thank Gareth enough for the cameo he made for my mother on her 80th birthday. When she opened the box, her face expressed so much joy and love in seeing her beloved mother and my Nonna.
I am forever grateful to Gareth, his work is a beautiful gift that is shared with humanity in bringing joy and happiness to so many...Joseph. R
How to Order
Inquiry Form
Upload your photos or artwork. Share your story and let me know your wishes and gemstone preference.
The Design Process
Gareth will contact you. A phone call or video chat is ideal, email can also work. Designs will be shared for your approval.
Your Jewel is Created
Your unique jewel is created by Gareth using the skills of gemstone carving, goldsmithing, and hand engraving.
Gold Locket with Pink Pearl & White Gold Cross
Opens to Reveal a Portrait Cameo with Tanzanites
Matching Lotus Flower Earrings in Tanzanite and Pink Pearl
Queen Elizabeth examines my Cameo Brooch
Presented to Her Majesty, by descendants of Pocahontas to honor her royal visit to Virginia, United States in 2007.
Pocahontas Cameo brooch
The portrait is carved into Gray Agate. Encircled with freshwater pearls from the Mississippi and set in Platinum. Now in the Royal collection in London.
Gareth Eckley has been carving cameos with such precision and grace that he has attracted the attention of a discerning worldwide clientele.
His Pocahontas cameo is an exquisite tribute to the original cameo that was presented to the Indian princess by King James I and Queen Anne in 1616.
The brooch has earned its place as an important historical cameo...Diana Jarrett, Cameos Old & New - 4th Edition.
The Royal Family - U.A.E
A Crown Prince from the Royal Family of the Kingdom of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai.
Queen Elizabeth II
Her Majesty is presented with my Cameo of Pocahontas by the State of Virginia.
Prime-minister of Canada
Prime-minister Stephen Harper received my Maple leaf in Ammolite to mark Canada's 150th year.
Lady Diana Gibson-Watt
A collection of High Jewelry made over many years for Lady Diana Gibson-Watt.
Sir Anthony Hopkins
A photograph from the movie Zorro. The details are kept secret by request.
Lady J. Mitchell
Set with a 1ct PInk Diamond, this carved gemstone jewel is valued at $300,000.
Customer Review
The cameo arrived today. My wife was overjoyed. Thank you for creating the best gift that she could ever imagine.
I had involved my 3-year-old daughter in the process along the way: showing her your website, proposal, and progress photos.
My daughter was excited to see the finished piece but managed to keep the surprise.
Even better, she was delighted to see her mothers response when she opened the gift.
Thanks again for creating such a lovely work of art. - by J. S. Chicago
With this cameo, I was able to really create a very special family heirloom. I was asked to create a Portrait Cameo jewel as an Anniversary gift. My customer was very involved with the project. The result was one of my most favorite cameos.
The portrait was carved into a white on blue layered agate. We set the cameo inside a dual purpose pendant & Brooch frame made of 18kt White Gold.
The Process of Creating this Special Gift
The father sent me 10 photos of his daughter. The portrait photo we selected as has a relaxed smile, her eyes are looking up which gives a positive feel and there is a great balance between the hair, face, and clothing. The three-quarter view works very well in an oval-shaped cameo carving.
I love to add a surprise to my Jewelry to make the gift extra special. With this cameo, I suggested engraving an image on the back of the setting. The father asked his daughter to draw a picture. I hand engraved her drawing onto the white gold cameo back.
The side of the frame was hand engraved with a personal message from the daughter to her mother. This read "You are in my heart and I am in your heart too. I love you mother."
The Story of this Cameo is in the Book Cameos Old and New
One of the cameos that carver Gareth David Eckley is most proud of is the result of a commission he received from a Chicago couple.
Using a photograph as a guide, he hand-carved a likeness in blue agate gemstone of their young daughter.
Highly personalized cameos like this one accurately and lovingly, capture a moment in time of a beloved family member.
Diana Jarrett, Author of ' Cameos Old and New - 4th Edition,' 2008. Pages: 350-353
My purpose is to create beautiful jewels that matter, for people who care. My studio, is where the magic happens.
My hero and inspiration is Rene Lalique, the Art Nouveau artist. His jewelry combines carved gemstone, enamel, gemstones, glass and gold with a creativity that astonishes.
Creating a design from my imagination, crafting the piece and seeing it transform the wearer is so special.
I feel that I channel the spirit of the person into the stone. The moment when my carving 'comes to life' is very moving.
My customers have a love and generosity that guides them to trust me to make thier special gift. I use all of my experience to make a portrait that a mother will love.
My legacy is to know, that my jewels will be treasured for generations to come. This is my way to make a positive change in the world.
Gareth had an uncanny ability to read my mind and more importantly, he asked many questions to uncover precisely how to make my wife's gift have extra meaning for her...Richard, Australia.
Book a Design Consultation for Your Custom Jewel. Upload Your Photos for an Estimate
Full Customer Feedback in Spanish and English
Buenos dias Sr. Eckley
Ayer recibi uno de sus Cameos, este cameo tiene la escultura de mi mama, la cual fallecio en agosto 24 del 2000.
Esta pieza fue ordenada por Laura Garza algunos meses atras por motivo de mi cumpleanos
Cuando vi esta pieza, inmediatamente reconoci a mi mama y no pude evitar romper en llanto...!que hermoso cameo! Me tomo alrededor de 30 minutos poder articular palabra alguna y lo unico que pude decir fue; Ella era hermosa y ahora estara conmigo siempre.
Ahora tendre la oportunidad de tenerla siempre en mi corazon, como lo dice la inscripcion.
La foto que usted uso para este cameo es mi foto favorita, una vieja fotografia de estudio a blanco y negro, y es mi favorita porque se puede percibir el amor en sus ojos, su sonrisa pacificadora y su belleza tal cual como cuando ella vivia.
Sr. Eckley, observando esta pieza de arte me doy cuenta que usted tambien percibio esto. Desde el fondo de mi corazon le agradezco la dedicacion en este asombroso cameo. Gracias por no solo esculpir un hermoso retrato pero los sentimientos detras de la fotografia tambien.
Es, nuevamente con lagrimas en los ojos que le escribo este email...
Estare eternamente agradecida
Paloma Melendrez
Yesterday I received one of your Cameos (I attached the photo) , this cameo has the sculpture of my mom who died on August 24, 2000
this piece was order by Laura Garza, some months ago as a birthday present (yesterday was my birthday)
When I saw the piece, I imediately recognized my mother and burst into tears...what a beautiful Cameo! it took me around 30 minutes to be able to talk again and I only could manage to say: she was beautiful and now she will be with me forever.
Now I will have the opportunity to have her with me always in my hearth as the inscription say.
The photo you use for this cameo is my favorite photo, and old black and white studio photo, and I like it because you can perceive her loving eyes, peaceful smile and beauty as she was when she was alive.
Gareth, by seeing this piece of art I can tell that you perceived this too. Thank you from the bottom of my hearth for the dedication in this outstanding Cameo. Thank you for carving not only a beautiful portrait but also the feelings behind the picture.
Is, again with tears in my eyes, that I am writing this email to you...
I will be forever grateful
Paloma Melendrez
Filosofia, Psicologia y Letras
Layered Agate Gemstones
White with a Color layer. A selection of colors is available.
Transparent Gemstones
Rock Crystal, Amethyst, Citrine, Moonstone, Smoky Quartz.
Single Color Gemstones
Red Jasper, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Bloodstone, Black Onyx.
My husband and I were overcome with joy when we received the beautiful cameo of our darling Maltese Dog 'Bo'.
Gareth, you captured Bo's alert and impish aspect utterly. When I wear the cameo, everyone comments on what a stunning piece it is.
We greatly appreciate the workmanship and expertise that went into your creation. What a wonderful heirloom we have...Betsy, California.
Daughter and her Baby Brother
Her Grandchildren. Evie is 3 years and Jude is 9 months old.
I absolutely love it. The detail is incredible right down to the flowers on Evie's dress!
Their two little noses are identical - just as they are in real life!
I am so glad that I found you - this will truly be my most absolutely cherished piece in my collection.
I thank you again and again...Linda. Rhode Island, USA.
Blue Agate Cameo Jewel
Hand-carved into a Wedge-wood blue Agate gemstone.
Detailed Info Guides - Click to Open
Made-to-Order Earrings
Gem set earrings are designed to match your cameo jewel.
Gemstone Color Options
Guide to all of the options that you have for your cameo jewel. Layered Agates, Single colors and transparent gemstones.
Lapis Lazuli Guide
Lapis Lazuli is a beautiful stone for jewelry. Gem quality Lapis has an intense ultramarine blue that is captivating.
Precious Opal Guide
Opal with a play of color is so beautiful. Carved and polished Opal is so unique.
Bloodstone Guide
A favorite gemstone for men's jewelry, signet rings, cufflinks. Dark green with spots of blood red.
Sympathy Etiquette
My customers have taught me how they want to be treated by others. I share insights on dealing with personal loss.
V.I.P Service
Private and confidential service for famous people who require secrecy. NDA's may be needed, personal visits can be arranged.
Portrait Photo Guide
Send me your best photos. The ones that really show the personality and character of your 'loved one'
Personalize Your Jewel
Gold accents with a personal charm. Hand engraved drawings, inscriptions, and personal messages.
Bespoke Jewelry Design
To design the perfect jewel for you I first discover your needs in our design interview. Design sketches are shared and feedback welcomed.
Buyers Guide to Cameos
Info on modern and Antique Cameos in gemstone, shell and other materials.
Shell or Hardstone Cameos
A guide that compares cameos carved into gemstone versus cameos carved into shell.
Commesso Cameos
A guide to these Masterpieces of the Jewelers art.
Antique Cameos
A selection of some of the finest Antique Cameos from history.
Cameo Appearances exhibition
My review of the Cameo exhibition at the Met Museum, New York.
My Cameo for Queen Elizabeth
Made by Gareth Eckley and presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Fine Jewelry Designs
Bespoke, high-end made to order jewelry
Cameos for a Crown Prince
A suite of cameos, carved with a portrait of his Imam, for a Crown Prince in Dubai.
Cameos for Men
Cameo portraits, cameo rings and desktop cameos.
Enamel and 22kt Gold Eggs
UK Treasure Hunt with 13, Hand Engraved & Enameled Gold Eggs.
- The pure white in a layered Agate gemstone captures light and reflects it back. This makes the cameo glow with life, especially in sunlight.
- By contrast, the Cornelian shell that is used in the cheaper Italian cameos, under $900, gives a flat, yellow look to faces that many find unpleasant.
- Cameos in Opal, Lapis Lazuli, Amethyst, and other gemstones are very unique.
- Sardonyx shell or Black Helmet Emperor shell has a white layer that gives better portraits. They are more expensive and only the best carvers have access to them.
- Skilled Custom Cameos in either Shell or Gemstone start from $1700. Cheaper Cameos Have Compromised Quality for a Lower Price.
The experience that you give to your customers is truly remarkable. The impact of your portrait jewels is so powerful.
How do you put a price on such a unique gift...Rick Gray, Canada.