How care cameos.   How we can value the condition of an antique cameo?   The most important point - of course - is the condition of the figure. Most of antique cameos are worn, sometime details are no longer understandable. Other damages are the cracks, but they should not be confused with natural veins or hairlines. Buying an antique cameo we cannot expect that it looks like when it was new. I feel we should not be too much worried and overestimate the light spots we see on any antique item.   How care cameos?   SHELL - Shell cameos are not so delicate. Antique shell cameos just only doesn't stands dry and burns. So, if you would frame an antique cameo, consider there is the risk the background will fades because the welding flame: to frame antique cameos is an extremely delicate work. AGATE - Hardstone cameos are resistant and are rarely worn. But agate is quite fragile, and blows and thermical shocks can damage it. By example don't wash them with hot water and immediately with cold water. LAVA - Lava cameos are the most delicate. If you are the lucky owner of a mint antique lava cameo, the best is to not wear it or wear it very rarely... IVORY - Ivory cameos are very resistant. Just keep them dry. CORAL - No problems with them. In anyway care your cameos in small boxes, and leave them in a drawer. When you wear your antique cameos remember they are pieces of art and history.   My cameo is dirty. How can I clean it?   With a soft toothbrush, soap and tepid water. If you need to polish the bezel, proceed cautiously with specific products! They could impregnate and stain your cameo. For to clean silver bezels, bicarbonate is the best product: wet the frame, strew it with bicarbonate and wait 10 minutes. Then brush it.