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The low degree of hardness possessed by the turquoise probably deterred the ancients from often engraving on this stone, or, it may be, these specimens of antiquity have not been sufficiently durable to reach our time. In either case, there are very few engraved turquoises known. Caire, however, cites a few.
In the Genevosio collection there is an amulet, convex on one side and flat on the other, showing upon one side an engraving of a veiled Diana holding two branches in her hands, upon the other a sort of sistrum, a star, and a bee: Greek letters are inscribed upon both faces.
The cabinet of the Duke of Orleans contained two engraved turquoises; one representing Diana, with her quiver upon her shoulder; and the other, the elder Faustina.
A turquoise in the gallery of Florence, nearly as large as a small billiard ball, is engraved with a head which is possibly that of Caesar, but more probably of Tiberius. |
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Precious Stones Guide Vol 2
>> Rare Engravings Upon the Turquoise
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