Carnelian intaglio
The red versions of agate (see http://tinyurl.com/n35ddq7), coloured by impurities of oxidised iron (essentially rust) has been used in jewellery since time immemorial by virtually every ancient civilisation on Earth, and remains popular for beads and ring stones in modern times. Many were carved into amulets or power stones, supposed to offer the wearer protection from life's opposing forces.
Intaglio work involves carving a picture into a gem, as opposed to cameo, in which a layered rock is used and the layers peeled off selectively to reveal the picture.
The example in the photo comes from late period ancient Egypt in the early first century BCE, where the descendants of Alexander's general Ptolemy reigned from the Hellenistic conquest until Cleopatra committed suicide after the battle of Actium and the death of Marc Anthony. It depicts a Ptolemaic queen holding a sceptre and is mounted in gold with garnet, paste (another name for glass gem imitants) and emerald garnishing. Currently residing in the Cabinet des Medailles in Paris, it once formed part of the royal collection of France.
Loz
Image credit: Marie-Lan Nguyen
