Photo © Albion Art Institute
Intaglio is an Italian-origin word used in the gem and jewellery industries to refer to engraved gems. Engraving, which is done by grinding away material on the surface of a stone, is the oldest method of gemstone fashioning, reported more than 8,000 years in Mesopotamian civilisations and was very popular during the Graeco-Roman period.
In this context, the term “glyptic” is used among specialists specifically for carved seals with a motif that is made in reverse, appearing in relief when the seal is impressed on soft material (e.g. clay, sealing wax).
Intaglios have been, therefore, mostly used as seals, often with heraldic, devotional or pagan motifs, manufactured in hardstones, generally translucent to opaque, occasionally transparent, such as micro-crystalline quartz varieties (e.g. carnelian bloodstone) and more rarely in emerald, spinel, sapphire and diamond (very rare).
Engraved gems were also used to represent sovereigns like in this emerald representing Catherine the Great of Russia, signed Johann Caspar Jaeger and dated to the 18th century.
Although there are examples of intaglios made in emerald, the adverse physical properties for such a fashioning technique makes it a uncommon choice, especially if the gem is intended to be used as a seal
Photo © Albion Art Institute
Guest articles by Rui Galopim de Carvalho:
https://gem-spectrum.com/category/rui-galopim-de-carvalho
About the author:
Rui Galopim de Carvalho is a renowned independent Gem Education Consultant, author, luxury industry training expert and popular international lecturer on gemmology and on the history of gem materials. During his 30 year experience as a gemmologist, Rui has studied important collections in both public and private museums, notably the Portuguese Crown Jewels.
Founder of the popular Home Gemmology webinar series launched during the COVID-19 lockdown, Rui has a long history as a gemmology communicator, notably on social media where he is a popular figure.
Rui Galopim de Carvalho can be reached through his website:
