70) Most perplexing, however, is the problem that it is difficult to imagine a lead copy even remotely capturing the translucent beauty of the white and red chalcedony of a
sardonyx cameo, which Grassi called "radiant.
Shells are easier to carve than
sardonyx and they were very popular with wealthy tourists since the cameo artists managed to achieve a tolerable likeness of the purchaser.
They are found set in rings, brooches, pendants and the like, and were originally created from gemstones with different colours in their makeup, such as
sardonyx and cornelian.
Four crew members were taken from the Fraserburgh-registered Elhanan shortly after another vessel, the Banff- registered
Sardonyx II, had to be put under tow.
January - garnet or rose quarter February - amethyst or onyx March - aquamarine or bloodstone April - diamond or rock crystal May - emerald or chrysoprase June - alexadrite or moonstone or pearl July - ruby or carmelion August - peridot or
sardonyx September - sapphire or lapis October - opal or tourmaline November - topaz or citrine December - zircon or turquoise
The evil effects of the onyx are counteracted if one wears a
sardonyx at the same time.
The cameo is a stunning piece carved in exquisite detail from a single piece of
sardonyx.
The Greek and Roman jewellers carved fabulous cameos in
sardonyx, coral, shell and other workable materials.
