Original Antique (3rd Century Ad) Roman Carved Agate Intaglio

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Intaglio is a technique which dates back to antiquity and is still in use today. Images are carved or engraved … Read more Intaglio is a technique which dates back to antiquity and is still in use today. Images are carved or engraved in gemstones leaving a hollow impression in the untouched background. This style of carving is the exact reverse of creating a cameo. By the mid-1800’s Intaglios were not preferred for jewelry, because Victorians began to prefer cameos. Intaglios were relegated almost entirely to fobs and seals. In 1840 the postage stamp virtually eliminated the need for wax seals and the art of the intaglio began to disappear. An Intaglio is a small semi-precious gemstone that has been carved. The engraving of gemstones was a luxury art form in the ancient world. Roman citizens had their Intaglio commissioned to be set in a ring of their choice. See less