Semiprecious hard stones such as carnelian, chalcedony, amethyst, and agate have long been carved with decorative and figural designs. Image: An 18th-Century Gem Carver at Work, Pierre Soubeyran after Edmé Bouchardon, engraving in Pierre Jean Mariette, Traité des pierres gravées (Treatise on Engraved Gems), Paris, 1750. Research Library, The Getty Research Institute, 85-B16751 Learn about the techniques used to carve cameos and intaglios.

The beauty of carved gemstones has captivated collectors, connoisseurs, and craftsmen since antiquity. Precious markers of culture and status, gems were sought by Greek and Roman elites as well as modern monarchs and aristocrats. Explore gems in the Getty Museum’s collection.

In antiquity, gems were engraved with personal or official insignia that, when impressed on wax or clay, were used to sign or seal documents. Carved gems were valued not only for their distinctive designs, but also for the beauty of their stones, some of which were believed to have magical properties. 

From the Middle Ages to the 19th century, rulers, nobles, and wealthy merchants sought and traded classical gems, and carvers produced replicas and forgeries. Learn more about eight of the most influential European gem collectors, including the artist Peter Paul Rubens.

Signatures in ancient Greek art are rare, especially on gems. How do art historians discern attributions of original, unsigned works? Compare a gem signed by Epimines, a Greek carver active around 500 B.C., with two gems ascribed to him and hear commentary about their attribution.

The pose of this figure, standing but leaning over in some activity, was a favorite for carved gems in the late 500s B.C., yet this carver's skill in depicting a three-quarter view of the youth and in rendering the musculature in detail set this gem apart. Examine this gem with a magnification tool.