Coming this April 1, 2025!
This collection features fabulous reverse intaglio gemstones (amethyst, ametrine, lemon quartz and prasiolite.) Every piece is one of a kind and hand made in Woodstock, GA by me, Abby!
Here's a little more info about these incredible gemstones and their stunning, make-you-do-a-double-take beauty! The history behind these gems and how they became collector's items and souvenirs in the Victorian age, and what they mean today especially with the unique reverse intaglio!
When I first spotted these gems in Tucson (the first year we took baby Sylvia!), I fell in love instantly. There's something incredibly special about these stones that connect us to an ancient art form while feeling completely fresh and modern.
The Fascinating Journey of Intaglio
The word "intaglio" comes from Italian, meaning "to engrave" or "cut into." Unlike cameos (which have raised designs), intaglios feature designs carved below the surface of the stone. This technique dates all the way back to ancient Mesopotamia around 3500 BCE!
Originally, intaglios served a practical purpose - they were used as signature seals. Important people would wear intaglio rings and press them into wax or clay to authenticate documents and letters. Essentially, they were the ancient world's version of a signature! Archaeologists have even found Roman intaglios with traces of wax still in the carvings - evidence of the last time they were used over 2,000 years ago.
Royal Obsessions and Grand Tours
During the Renaissance, collecting ancient intaglios became an absolute obsession among European nobility. Lorenzo de' Medici amassed one of history's most impressive collections with over 3,000 carved gems! These weren't just beautiful objects - they were symbols of cultural knowledge and artistic appreciation.
The "Grand Tour" tradition of the 18th and 19th centuries created a whole new market for intaglios. Wealthy young people traveling through Italy would bring home carved gems as souvenirs, often setting them into rings or collector's boxes. Some jewelers even created "souvenir intaglios" specifically for tourists - the 1800s version of a vacation keepsake, but infinitely more elegant!
From Traditional to Reverse Intaglio
The gems in my Bloom in Stone collection are even more special because they're reverse intaglios - the carving is on the back of the stone, showing through the front with a beautiful dimensional effect.
This technique creates a magical visual experience as light interacts with both the faceted front and the carved back, producing depth and dimension that changes as you move the stone. Each carving is like a tiny garden preserved in crystal, with delicate floral designs that seem to float within the stone.
Why These Gems Captured My Heart
What makes these reverse intaglios so special to me is how they combine history with innovation. They honor an ancient technique while presenting it in a completely fresh way. Each stone has its own character, its own story - and I've designed settings that showcase both the beauty of the stone and the secret garden carved within.
There's something magical about wearing a piece with a hidden detail - like carrying a lovely secret with you throughout the day. The person who wears these pieces knows there's more than meets the eye - a perfect metaphor for all of us who carry depth and story beneath our surface.
The Bloom in Stone Collection
Each piece in this collection is completely one-of-a-kind, featuring these special intaglio gems set in hand-forged designs. I've created pieces at various price points (from $55-$1500) because I want everyone to have a chance to own one of these magical gems.
The collection launches in April, with early access for my email subscribers. If you'd like to be among the first to see and shop the collection, make sure you're on my list!
I can't wait to share these special pieces with you. Until then, I'll be at my bench, setting these little carved gardens into jewelry worthy of their centuries-old tradition.
Want a sneak peek? Join my email list for exclusive early access and special previews coming soon!
