Cameo portraits on gemstone portrait cameo jewel

Gareth Eckley

Artist Biography

Gareth Eckley cameo portrait artist

Gareth is one of a very select group of gemstone portrait artists. Great skill, artistry and experience is needed to be able to create accurate portraits.

He is very passionate about his art and loves to travel to meet his clients whenever possible. He has been creating work for some of his clients around the world for over 20 years.

Gareth feels strongly that for a cameo portrait to work he must feel that he "knows" the subject. It is very important to know the persons name and their nature so that he can enthuse the portrait carving with their spirit.

Artist Statement from Gareth Eckley

close up of gareth eckley carving a cameo portrait

" I love the moment when the portrait carving comes to life before my eyes. I find it exciting to see the personality of the subject captured in gemstone. I feel that I invest a part of myself in every portrait that I create."

" I really enjoy the collaborative process involved in portraiture. I work closely with my client to ensure that together we create an exceptional gemstone cameo portrait. Many of my previous clients have gone on to become friends."

Please visit my Artist Web Journal where you can see recent information, ask me any questions or leave comments.

Life in Wales.

Gareth lives and works on a 200 acre property in Wales. There is a nature reserve on the farm with waterfalls, woods and rare plants. Gareth finds the beauty of this area a constant source of inspiration for his work.

Gareth lived in Vancouver, Canada for 12 years, where he met his wife and where his two boys were born. He loves to visit friends and family in Canada and the United States as often as he can.

If you would like to know more about his personal interests in art, literature, music, sports, etc please visit his personal page on Squidoo.

Professional Awards & Exhibitions

Gareth has won many accolades for his work over the last 28 years. These include major national awards from prestigous national organisations.

Gareth has had his award winning work exhibited at Goldsmiths Hall, the British Design Centre, De Beers, The Victoria & Albert Museum and Olympia in London and at the Basle fair in Switzerland.

Gareth recently completed a Cameo of Pocahontas that was given to Queen Elizabeth during her visit to Virginia, USA. This cameo is now part of the Royal collection at Buckingham Palace.


Goldsmiths Craft Council Awards - Stone Carvers Senior

  • 2006 - Silver Award & special sponsored award for the Grace Kelly portrait cameo on layered agate.
  • 2006 - Highly Commended Award for The black onyx Kalahari Bushwoman & Baby cameo.
  • 2003 - Highly Commended Award for the Sheila portrait cameo on white & blue agate.
  • 2003 - Highly Commended Award for the "Rita Hayworth" portrait cameo on layered agate.

Goldsmiths Craft Council Awards - Seal engravers Senior

  • 2003 - Highly Commended Award for a coat of arms carved on layered agate.

Goldsmiths Craft Council Awards - Hand engravers Senior

  • 2004 - Silver Award for the Coat of Arms hand engraved onto silver.
  • 2003 - Highly Commended Award for The Lynx engraving on Silver.
  • 1984 - First Prize Award for The Two Squirrels hand engraving on copper.
  • 1983 - Second Prize Award for The "Silver Wedding" engraving on Silver.

The Platinum Guild Awards

  • 1985 - Highly Commended Award for a design for a necklace in Platinum.
  • 1985 - First Prize Award for a design for a brooch pin in Platinum.

The De Beers Diamonds Today Awards

  • 1983 - Highly Commended Award for excellence of design for a headpiece in Diamond, Platinum and Silk.