What is the history of gemstone carving?

Carved gemstones have been treasured for millennia by collectors and jewellery enthusiasts. Gemstone carving can be dated back to the fifth millennium BCE, and many ancient cultures, such as Babylon and the Indus Valley Civilisation, can be proven to be avid gemstone cutters. Gemstone carving flourished in ancient Eastern civilisations and Greece during the Hellenistic period. Antique carved stone rings continue to be incredibly popular even today.

How did Romans carve gems?

The earliest examples of carved stone gems were cut by hand with simple iron tools, including pointed drills and abrasion with fine powders. Antique carved stone rings from the period truly demonstrate the expertise of ancient jewellery craftsmen. Beautiful motifs were carved on these gemstones and carved stone rings and jewellery have been popular for thousands of years.

What is a carved gemstone called?

Carved gems are sometimes referred to as engraved gems or intaglio. The carvings are usually made into semi-precious stones, such as amethyst or amber. Carved gems can be used on a wide variety of jewellery pieces, from earrings and brooches to carved stone rings. Antique carved stone rings display some of the most beautiful and intricate examples of the carved gemstone.

How to clean antique carved stone rings?

Taking care of rare vintage jewellery, such as an antique carved stone ring, is incredibly important. Cleaning your ring correctly is a great way to enhance the value of your jewellery. Soak your jewellery carefully in warm water. Using a soft brush, dislodge any dirt; if it needs extra cleaning, use a mild washing-up liquid. Carved stone rings may have intricate engraving work, so make sure to clean in all the crevices where substances such as hand gel, and moisturiser can build up. Here at Berganza, we offer complimentary annual cleaning for life with every purchase, so your antique carved stone ring can be taken care of properly.

How to determine the value of antique carved stone rings?

Here at Berganza, there are many things we take into consideration when evaluating antique carved stone rings. Because they can be hundreds of years old, we study them very carefully. As carved rings were an early method of jewellery production, they can be very valuable. First of all, we pay close attention to the carved stone ring to determine its value. If you have any authentication (such as proof of purchase, proof of designer), this can increase the value of your ring. Antique carved stone rings can be incredibly valuable, and we are committed to conducting accurate assessments on each piece that passes through our doors.

Antique Carved Stone Rings | Carved Stone Ring

Discover Our Collection of Carved Stone Rings

The artistry of gemstone carving originated in China over 3000 years ago. Antique carved stone rings from this period usually use nephrite or jade stone. One of the oldest examples of carved gemstones was found at the Ai Khanoum archaeological site in Northern Afghanistan and can be dated to the First Century BCE. Evidence shows that many early civilisations had carved stone rings and jewellery, including the Indus Valley Civilisation. Antique carved stone rings and jewellery truly demonstrate the dedicated craftsmanship and artistry of the jewellery makers of antiquity.

Archaeologists have found ancient rings and jewellery featuring carved gems from the Greek and Roman periods, from up to 7th and 8th Centuries BCE. During these periods, carved gems were sometimes referred to as intaglio. Our collection of ancient carved stone rings and carved stone jewellery display beauty from many different periods in history.

This art form is thought to have flourished during the Mughal empire, which was an early modern empire that controlled the South Asian territories between the 16th and 19th centuries. Their deep religious beliefs inspired them to carve emeralds with floral motifs for protection.

In Western society, carved gems underwent a massive revival during the renaissance. Venice became a huge centre of production, with commissions for carved stone rings being made by every level of the aristocracy. Carved stone brooches and necklaces were also incredibly popular. By the 16th Century, carved gems were keenly collected and produced throughout Europe.

Emery has often been used in ancient jewellery production. In medieval times, Theophilus Presbyter released a guide on standard gem cutting techniques, which still survive today. Antique carved stone rings and jewellery were cut using abrasive powder and hand tools, usually set in a lathe. Byzantine cutters are depicted as using a flat-edged wheel on a drill to create carved stone rings, while Carolingian jewellery makers used round-tipped drills. Carved stone rings truly display how jewellery makers from antiquity were masters of ancient craft.

There have been many infamous collectors of ancient carved stone rings alongside other examples of carved stone jewellery. Examples of historical figures who were captivated by the art of carving gemstones include Julius Caesar, the Medicis, Catherine the Great and King George III. However, historians state that carved gemstones fell out of fashion somewhat during the 1860s. Despite this, antique carved stone rings are still incredibly popular due to their beauty and stunning craftsmanship.

Many high end jewellery makers have created carved stone rings and brooches in the last hundred years due to the beauty of carved gemstones displaying the finest artistic quality. Our collection displays stunning creations by jewellery designers from the 1930s-the 1950s. Inspired by antique carved stone rings, these jewellery designers have created stunning jewellery pieces. If any of our antique carved stone rings captivate you, don't hesitate to contact us online or at our showroom at the heart of Hatton Garden.