Glyptic Gems

Glyptic refers to the art of carving or engraving gemstones. Glyptic gems encompass a broad category of engraved or carved stones such as intaglios, cameos, seals, and small sculptural pieces valued both for their material and the skill and iconography of the carving.
Sculptural Glyptic: 

Small three-dimensional carvings (figurines, animals, devotional objects) in gemstones.
Cameo --> Relief carving where the design projects above the background, typically exploiting layers in a multi-colored stone (e.g., sardonyx, shell).
Materials Used:
Hardstones & Chalcedony Varieties --> Carnelian, agate, onyx, jasper, sard, sardonyx—favored for fine detail and layered colors.
Soft Gem Materials --> Shell for cameos; occasionally softer translucent stones (e.g., quartz) for small carvings.
Precious Stones --> Garnet, emerald, sapphire, etc., in high-status seals or devotional pieces.