Hematite and Hemalyke Intaglios and Inlays

Hematite and Hemalyke Intaglios and Inlays

Pretty little cut pieces of Hematite, and synthetic 'Hemalyke'.

Inlay cuts are reasonably simple - a stone suited for inlay, or a stone with something inlaid.

Intaglio cuts are engraved into the background - they are not cameos or relief carvings.

One of the more common designs is that of a classical bust - perhaps a greek or roman soldier, wearing a plumed helmet.

Hemalyke is a synthetic form of Hematite, one of the more common fakes on the market.

Intaglio cuts are a vintage cut, popular throughout antiquity, but with a modern resurgence in around the 60s. I am not sure of the age of these pieces, but I doubt they are 'too' old. Some of the stock I purchased at the time was from around the 1920s or 1930s but some was much newer.

One thing to note is that intaglios are not cabochons; they do have a flat cut back, but their sides are typically angled rather than domed. They suit being fit into premade signet ring settings quite well.