gems, glyptic, engraved gems, agate, cameo, intaglio

The first 30 pages discuss the development of gem engraving, the uses of engraved gems, and the collecting mania, along with other topics. The descriptive portion concerns the gems themselves and includes notes on gem materials, the origin of the gems, and other details such as current ownership. Five plates are called “vignettes” because they depict motifs or designs that commonly appear on engraved gems, with their meanings explained in the text. Some plates are line-engraved, others are stippled in a most delicate and pleasing manner which permits the subtlest shadings.