18K Hippopotamus Glyptic Ring - Pizzuti Jewelry

I had been a sculptor for many years when my journey into the world of gemstones began A client asked if I could make a reverse intaglio as a Christmas present for his wife. I agreed to give it a try and a new career was born. I love making these little works of art. I love knowing that they will be kept, and passed on to family member after family member. I'm honored every time someone purchases my work. For many centuries, artists have been carving images into gemstones and crystals. When done in reverse, this process is called reverse intaglio. Reverse carving crystals and gemstones is a long process. The stone is cut with diamond saws and, in many cases ground to a cabochon. Other shapes and cuts are used as well. I do the entire process by hand. Once the stone is shaped and polished, I etch the design on the back side and carve it in reverse. The stone is carved with a paste made from a combination of oil and diamond dust. When the image has been completed, I paint the carving in reverse. Some of my brushes only have a single hair. My settings vary from fine silver to 18kt gold depending on the stone, and are totally hand crafted. Each piece is one a kind.