Ancient Artistry of Intaglio Rings

In Europe, intaglio carving began in the second quarter of the sixth century BC, when new materials and techniques became available to the Greco-Roman artists. The new techniques were those required to work the harder stones, mainly the use of a cutting wheel and drill, driven by a bow or foot wheel. Previously, figures were gouged free-hand in the softer stone. Romans created intaglios with a wider variety of stones from Egypt and the far-east trade routes: #garnets #emeralds #carnelian #chalcedony and #amethyst, many being translucent. Emery (consisting of corundum, spinel and rutile) from the Greek island of Naxos was used as an abrasive polishing powder for the past 2000 years. #garnets #emeralds #carnelian #chalcedony and #amethyst Source: http://www.grandvoyageitaly.com/style...