CameOS are a type of stone carving, usually made from a single piece of material such as ONYX, OPAL, sardonyx, JASPER, intaglio, or GEM. The term 'CAMEO' is derived from the Italian word 'cammeo', meaning 'engraved GEM'. The art form has been used since ancient times to create intricate designs and figures, often with a religious or symbolic meaning. The ROLE of the CAMEO stone is to provide a decorative element to jewelry, sculptures, and other works of art.