2 Cameo Pins

[GreenhornGirl]

Hello guys and dolls!  Got two cameo pins here.  Found 2 eBay listings for similar cameo pins to the one on the left, one calls it vintage handmade and the other 1950s-60s handcrafted brooch.  Clearly mine has gluegun issues; if 1950s-60s is right that would humor me, as I read on Wiki the first glue gun adhesive was used approx. 1940s, so still a little overzealous with the new product the next couple of decades, perhaps?     The one on the right I haven't found anything out about yet.  Neither has any markings.

L: large lacy one is 1.75"W x 2.25" tall.
R:  smaller beaded is 1.25"W x 1.25"H

Any input appreciated.  Not a higher $ item but I'm trying to get the hang of dating stuff, and also think they are pretty so thought I'd share.

[GreenhornGirl]

I just found the smaller one on the right on this website, they just call it "vintage" but they show a pair of screw-back earrings it used to come with:  http://www.faracasfinest.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=111_110&products_id=1527  How cute!  I wish people wore clip ons and screw backs more these days...I have a couple of lovely pairs I've rocked out on special occasions.  I think they're better sometimes than pierced bulkier earrings.  Someone bring 'em back! 

Looks like here though their pieces have more of a bleached white look.  Should I clean the faces on mine to try and whiten them, or leave them as is?

[talesofthesevenseas]

I think the issue with the ones you show is that they are not true "cameos", which would be made from carved shell, but are vintage plastic instead. Here is an article that helps you tell the difference:

http://www.oneofakindwis.com/2008/vintage-jewelry/what-is-a-real-cameo-vintage-plastic-cameo-or-antique-shell/

[talesofthesevenseas]

See the comments on that article also. One person suggests a gentle tooth tap to "feel" the material. Porcelain cup feel = shell cameo, warmer plastic cup feel = plastic.

[GreenhornGirl]

Thanks, tales!