This intaglio is set in an 18 karat gold rin
The art of glyptics, or carving on colored precious stones, is probably one of the oldest known to humanity. Intaglios, gems with an incised design, were made as early as the fourth and third millennia BC in Mesopotamia and Aegean Islands. They display a virtuosity of execution that suggests an old and stable tradition rooted in the earliest centuries. The tools required for carving gems were simple: a wheel with a belt-drive and a set of drills. Abrasives were necessary since the minerals used were too hard for a metal edge. A special difficulty of engraving intaglios, aside from their miniature size, was that the master had to work with a mirror-image in mind.
One of the most popular goddesses of the ancient world was Fortuna, identified with the Greek Tyche. She was a capricious deity, bringing either good luck or misfortune; though smiling most kindly upon those who worshipped her. She went under different names, such as Redux when a safe journey was desired; or Huiusce Diei to designate a special Fortuna for a particular day. During the imperial period, each Emperor had his own Fortuna dedicated to him alone. On this fantastic intaglio there are no less than three, all holding their trademark cornucopia and wearing flowing chitons. The one at far right also holds a rudder to show how she steers people's lives. Both in ancient times and during the Classical Revival the influence of one Fortuna was eagerly sought; how much better to have the companionship of three, bringing triple good fortune!