Intaglio jewelry was popular since in ancient Greece but also in Rome and the Etruscan influence (The Etruscans were predecessors of the Roman empire). Intaglio jewelry were carved inwards to by used as a seal so as to create an imprint a design of a deity, or another iconic concept which was symbolically important to the wearer. Depictions were carved directly into metal or frequently into semi-precious stones such as agate or onyx.

The intaglio jewel (and particularly the ring) was usually worn by people of high social stature and it has continued to be worn through the renaissance and even until today by nobility, often carrying family coats of arms etc. However the first intaglios in history were dedicated to sacred animals and spiritual symbols. 

Intaglio jewelry was popular since in ancient Greece but also in Rome and the Etruscan influence (The Etruscans were predecessors of the Roman empire). Intaglio jewelry were carved inwards to by used as a seal so as to create an imprint a design of a deity, or another iconic concept which was symbolically important to the wearer. Depictions were carved directly into metal or frequently into semi-precious stones such as agate or onyx.

The intaglio jewel (and particularly the ring) was usually worn by people of high social stature and it has continued to be worn through the renaissance and even until today by nobility, often carrying family coats of arms etc. However the first intaglios in history were dedicated to sacred animals and spiritual symbols.