An ingraved gem is known as an intaglio.

This means that the image was sunken and incised into the stone.

If the stone was to be used as a seal then it would leave a raised impression on the wax or of the seal.

Intaglios were usually made from semi - precious stone such as carnelian, jasper and chalcedony.

Sometimes cheaper imitations were made from glass and although not the real deal, they were often very detailed and many examples of these types have been found at Roman archealogical sites.

ALL items listed on this page are AUTHENTIC ancient Roman pieces which we guarantee for life to be of the material and period stated.