Intaglio

A gemstone into whose surface a decoration is cut and this technique of decoration. This prehistoric incised carving was also done on precious metal. The design was especially used on seal stones which were sometimes set into rings and used as personal seals. The engraved subject is sunk beneath the surface, thus distinguishing it from a cameo, which is engraved in relief.

[Italian: ‘carving’]. (1) The process of cutting or engraving a design, usually into a (gem)stone or precious metal; or (2) the artefact so created, which was then characteristically set into a finger-ring, and used as a personal seal.