Intaglio Rings

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 documented provenance.

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.