re·lief | ri-ˈlēf
noun
A kind of raised decoration that protrudes above the surface, similar to a cameo
Relief refers to the raised decoration that protrudes above the surface of a piece of jewelry. Similar to a cameo, relief refers to the actual height of the feature on a piece of jewelry, whether a pattern is raised above the surface or sinks into the background of that piece. Cameos and intaglios are specific types of reliefs, while the technique of repousse is used to create such reliefs in metal. These are typically made in earrings, pendants, brooches, and bracelets, though the technique may be used on any type of jewelry to emphasize a certain image or pattern.
