Cameo Jewelry Is My Newest Obsession

My love of jewelry runs deep. As a teen, I was constantly adding to my collection of bubble necklaces, often picking up pieces from go-to retailers like J.Crew and Banana Republic. These days, my rotation feels more refined — though still undeniably playful at heart. One look that checks both boxes? Cameo jewelry, my latest obsession.

The trend first caught my attention last month, when I met with Jackie Ansell, the founder of new brand Hysteria Jewelry, which is breathing new life into antique pieces and styles. “A cameo is, at its essence, a portrait in relief — a face or figure carved upward from stone or shell,” she tells me. “Traditionally, the technique has been used to portray a portrait of a loved one or a scene from mythology.” Her brand, however, reimagines the ancient form through a modern lens, with pieces hand-carved by female artisans in Bali.

Tracing back to Ancient Egypt, cameo jewelry has been steadily gaining momentum — and Ansell has a few theories as to why. “We’re in a maximalist moment and after years of minimalism dominating the aesthetic conversation, people are dressing with more intention, more drama, and more personality,” she says, noting how cameos fit that energy perfectly. “I also think that, in a sea of sameness, the cameo is really unique and represents creativity, humanity, and history. So much jewelry these days looks identical and is produced at scale. People are hungry for something that doesn't look like everything else in their feed, and cameos are one-of-a-kind and hold the kind of integrity that resonates right now.”

If the trend has also piqued your interest as of late, scroll ahead for 10 styles I currently have my eye on.