Engraved Gems and their Owners

Abstract Chapter 9 has shown that engraved gems were a costly luxury, desired by many, but accessible to few. Although this may agree with the place of precious and decorative stones in any society, including our own, gems in antiquity were accorded much higher importance, being the conveyors of multiple meaning. It has already been discussed how they would be treasured and displayed, but in many cases a gem’s worth went beyond its cost, fine cutting, or artistic merit. Intaglios and rings served as tokens of love and fidelity, political persuasion, amulets, and charms. Their exchange as gifts bound the presenter as much as the receiver.