Quantcast
  Due to a new server, slow response may occur for which we apologize Portal logo
Login/Register
Bactrian Gold Treasure from Afghanistan, coming soon....
/gemstones/streeter-precious-stones/page_051 - 2
 

Sec. I, Ch. 5: Engraving & Carving of Precious Stones

Sec. I, Ch. 5: Engraving & Carving of Precious Stones Page of 366 Sec. I, Ch. 5: Engraving & Carving of Precious Stones Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
The Engraving and Carving of Precious Stones. 37
ENGRAVED DIAMONDS. The Diamond, owing to its extreme hardness and consequent difficulty of working, has seldom been made the medium for this branch of the lapidary's art, and, in fact, so few notable examples of engraved Diamonds are in existence that it has been considered of sufficient importance and interest to devote a separate chapter to this subject, and to give a few illustrations of the more remarkable specimens of which we have authentic record.
It has been said that Clement Birago, of Milan, or his master Jacopo da Trezzo, discovered in 1556 the art of engraving the Diamond. According to Blum, Ambrosius Caradossa was the first to sculpture Diamonds, but as I have shewn above the art was known at the period of the exodus of the children of Israel, and probably very much earlier. The arms of Charles V. were engraved upon a Diamond by Jacopo da Trezzo ; and his pupil Clement Birago engraved on another Diamond a portrait of the Spanish Prince Don Carlos. The arms of Queen Mary I. of England were executed on a Diamond by Jacobus Thronus. It is stated that there are in a collection at Florence five fine examples of engraved Diamonds, four of which are signets ; one engraved with the crowned arms of Portugal, one which belonged to Catherine de' Medici, engraved with a monogram of M.C. and coronet, another with the Medici shield crowned, and a small one with shield of arms and coronet.
The Duke of Bedford possesses a Diamond with the head of the philosopher Posidonius engraved on it : Kluge believed it to be an isolated example. In the late Hope collection there were three specimens, of which figures 1, 2, 3, in the plate of engraved Diamonds, placed opposite, are illustrations.
Sec. I, Ch. 5: Engraving & Carving of Precious Stones Page of 366 Sec. I, Ch. 5: Engraving & Carving of Precious Stones
Table Of Contents bullet Annotate/ Highlight
Streeter: Precious Stones and Gems
Suggested Illustrations
Other Chapters you may find useful
Other Books on this topic
bullet Tag
This Page