Intaglio Rings

An intaglio is a stone featuring a design that is carved into the surface and is characteristic of many ancient rings.

The origin of the engraved signet-stone can be traced right back to the Sumerian period in Mesopotamia. Seals were used in the Ancient Near East from about 3400BC for over three thousand years, however initially only relatively soft stones were used. Due to this, a precise, detailed image could not be produced on such a small scale. Therefore, new technologies were required to carve harder, more durable materials.