Sunday, September 11, 2011

"Incolay" Vs. the Cameo onyx imitations

I sold both the Incolay and the Cameo onyx line in the late 60's to mid 70's at a large gift shop. Both were made in the USA which made them popular to forgein guests. We sold Incolay (which isa brand name and the origional) manufacturedof a geposite of a resin and ground stone.Cameo onyx is the "copycat" line that came out a little latermade of simular materials.Cameo Onyx also was made with Disney characters. Both "Incolay" and Cameo onyx are poured in a mold and not carved. Incolayretailed for $35 for a very small box3"to 4 inch round to $125 for a box maybe 12" x 12" in the 70's. Cameo onyx was about 1/2 that price. Incolay line tends to be very "rococo" in style with additional carving on thesides and fine, almost marble like swirls of colorations. Cameo onyx tends to have unadorned straight sides with a cruder color variation, but still pretty. Cameo onyx tends to be much plainer with stronger colors that arenot as natural as Incolay. I wrote this review because there is a big difference between the two lines when you hold or touch them. All that are currently listed claim to be Incolay and they are not. Also Do notuse chemicals to clean them. Wash withdamp cloth, water only. A little baby oil will shine them up if they loose thier luster. They are sturdy but will break and chip if dropped.

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