Carved Gems

If you're one of those folks who think intaglio is a type of spaghetti, here's breaking news. Thanks to a new exhibition at The Getty Villa in Malibu - Carvers and Collectors: The Lasting Allure of Ancient Gems -, I can now tell you the difference between intaglios and cameos. An intaglio is cut below the surface of a gemstone; a cameo is carved in relief to expose a different coloured layer of the stone, a technique new around 400 B.C. Click the title link for more information and beautiful examples of engraved gems. The exhibition continues until 7 September.