Reverse Intaglio: An Introduction to Glyptic Carving

Step into the art of reverse intaglio—the intricate technique of carving designs into the back of transparent gemstones to create a striking three-dimensional effect. This beginner-friendly course is designed for novice carvers looking to explore this traditional craft with hands-on guidance and expert instruction.

Students will be provided with one practice quartz blank and two working blanks, with additional blanks and premium stone varieties available for purchase during the course. The workshop begins with a demonstration on selecting rough material and a brief overview of creating carving blanks, before quickly moving into the carving process itself.

Using a flex shaft and a variety of burrs, students will learn:

How to take advantage of different burr shapes to form clean and effective designs
Techniques to minimize microchipping and maintain crisp details
How to create depth perception by layering foreground, midground, and background elements
This introductory class emphasizes form and contrast, utilizing a mix of matte and polished textures to enhance visibility. While polishing techniques will not be a primary focus, a brief demo will be offered at the end of class if time allows.

By the end of the course, students will have completed at least one—if not two—reverse intaglios, featuring their own glyptic carvings that are ready to be set into jewelry or display pieces.