Three Roman gold-mounted sardonyx cameos. Circa 1st-2nd century A.D. and 3rd century A.D. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd. 2010 All once serving as the central element of an elaborate necklace of the 3rd century, each cameo mounted in an oval bezel with...

A carnelian double snuff bottle, 1750-1800. Imperial, attributed to the Palace workshops, Beijing. photo courtesy Sotheby's well hollowed and carved in the form of a 'Hero's vase', the stone of caramel-pink tone with paler inclusions, carved as two cylinders...