This is a branch of the Fine Arts, the most ancient in practice--or that is mentioned in history, sacred or profane; and although gems are not received like coins or medals, as conclusive proofs of events, yet they cannot be rejected on the score of doubtful antiquity. Seals and signet-rings are of course included in the term "engraved gems," and they bear the heraldic arms of family honours, their names and actions are traceable, and thus they illustrate the chivalric dignities of the original owners. The style of ancient art (even without a date to the gem) will carry the inquiring mind to the æra of the artist, and thence establish at least the century in which they were engraved. Of the antiquity of gem engraving, the Bible bears conclusive evidence. In the graphic description of the priestly garments of Aaron, [Exodus xxviii.] it states that the shoulder ornaments of the Ephod are to be engraved stones, each containing six of the names of the Tribes of Israel. "And thou shalt take two onyx stones and _grave_ on them the names of the Children of Israel: six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth. With the work of _an engraver_ in stone, _like the engravings of a signet_, shalt thou _engrave_ the two stones with the names of the Children of Israel," &c. (verses 9, 10, and 11.) Aaron's "breastplate of judgment" was to contain twelve precious stones or gems, each stone to have engraved upon it the name of a Tribe of Israel. "And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius (_i. e._ ruby), a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jaspar: they shall be set in gold in their enclosings. And the stones shall be with the names of the Children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, _like the engravings of a signet_: every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes." (v. 17--21.) The gold mitre for the High Priest is thus described: "And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like _the engravings of a signet_--HOLINESS TO THE LORD"--(v. 36). From the triplicated sentence in the above quotations--viz., "like the engravings of a signet," it is proved that gem engraving was practised _anterior_ to the time of Aaron, who officiated 1491 years before Christ. The great antiquity, therefore, of sculptured gems, will not be questioned; and their mottoes, ciphers, or style of art, may speak of a people, their epochs, or their progress in civilization.