An intaglio is a gemstone carved into its surface, the oldest form of engraved jewelry. For the Romans, a carnelian or garnet intaglio set in a ring was both ornament and signature, pressed into wax to seal a letter. Aurora Antiqua offers authentic ancient intaglio rings, each individually researched and guaranteed genuine for life.
What is an intaglio ring?
The carver cut a god, an eagle, a portrait or a personal emblem into hardstone (carnelian, garnet, jasper, agate) so the raised wax impression read correctly. Learn the full story in our guide to Roman intaglio rings.
Browse by era
Most intaglios here are Roman. See the full ancient Roman rings collection, or the related signet rings. Each piece is one of a kind, sold once, never reproduced, and ships with its collection history stated on the listing.
New to buying ancient rings? Start with our buyer’s guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is an intaglio ring?
An intaglio is a gemstone carved into its surface, set in a ring. Roman examples were cut from carnelian, garnet or jasper with a god, an eagle, or a personal emblem, and used as a seal.
How can you tell a real intaglio from glass paste?
A genuine intaglio is hand-carved hardstone with the slight asymmetry of a human hand and tool marks at varying angles. Moulded glass paste shows tiny bubbles, rounded edges and a too-perfect, repeated design.
What gemstones were Roman intaglios carved from?
Most commonly carnelian, garnet, jasper, agate and chalcedony: hardstones durable enough to hold fine detail and to press cleanly into wax.