Engraved Gems
ENGRAVED GEMSTONE: The largest online sale of engraved gemstones

History and gem engraving techniques

The glyptic or engraving techniqueoriginated in very ancient times. The first specimens of engraved gems that were found date abck to the Sumerians and Egyptians, who used to carve gems with depictions of divinities and were used during their rituals as seals and lucky charms.

Even the Etruscans were particularly fascinated by this technique. Subsequently, the Romans made engraving a full-fledged fashion, distinguishing themselves for portrait techniques they got handed down from the Greeks.

Thanks to them we can admire splendid effigies of emperors, the best known being the one of Augustus.

The making of cameos spread throughout Tuscany during the Renaissance period.
The interest towards engraving and carving grew to an extent that a dedicated school was founded in Florence, which allowed us to come into possession of specimens of inestimable beauty and value.

Workmanshiop typologies, the most common are engraving and relief

There are numerous types of processing, the most common are engraving and relief.

Both are carried out using metal chisels or tips of various sizes and materials which, when turned at high speed, dig into the object. They are alternately wet with oil to preserve the integrity of the gem, or covered with powders of different types of stones to accentuate or limit the abrasive action.

In the relief works, the differnet layers of gems are used to obtain backgrounds of different colors, that make the subject stand out more. The sardonyx and carnelian shells are particularly suitable for this type of processing, but the use of lava stone is also common in this field.

The incision is performed on the back or bottom of the gem, creating spectacular three-dimensional effects.

Many varieties of precious stones such as agate, quartz, jasper, onyx, amber and even diamond can be engraved!

Our selection of engraved gems

In this section dedicated to engraved gems, we are giving you the opportunity to enter this fascinating world characterized by bucolic details and cherubs, girls and animals with a dreamy gaze.

Expand your personal collection or surprise a loved one with an unusual and original gift. Each stone is scrupulously checked and certified in our gemological laboratory.

Choose your engraved gem and take advantage of our great offers, you will not be disappointed!