Shell has been used for cameos since the Renaissance (15th and 16th Centuries). The first cameos were carved from mussel or cowrie shells, and generally were white on a grey background. In the mid 18th Century, new shell varities, such as helmet shells from the West Indies, and queen conch shells from the Bahamas were imported into Europe and sparked renewed interest in shell cameo jewelry. Today, fine cameo carvings, especially from Italian artisans, are finding favor with top designers, and the sources for the best conch shell are South Africa and Madagascar.