gems, glyptic, engraved gems, agate, cameo, intaglio, Roman, Rome, Vesuvius

The notes that follow the introduction, referring to the careful examinations carried out on the ornaments found in the Vesuvian Area, aim to provide an analysis of a gemmological and glyptic nature with regard to the loose or mounted gems on the jewelry, and of a technical-constructive nature concerning the making of the pieces themselves. The analytical observation of the gems and the archaeological ornaments that generally include them is carried out primarily with the aid of a stereoscopic microscope, supported by adequate fiber optic illumination. This examination allows access to a world of infinite details which often appear not only as real clues but, above all, as conclusive diagnostic elements that help determine with certainty, at the conclusion of the investigation, both the true nature of the gems and the techniques used by ancient gem engravers and goldsmiths, and in many cases also to identify the tools used at each particular stage of the work, whether by lapidaries in the art of glyptics or by goldsmiths in the art of jewelry.