British aristocrats of the 17th and 18th centuries frequently ordered gemstone carvers to custom-make their accessories, such as cuff links. They often had portraits of their most beloved pets engraved into these accessories and enjoyed wearing them during hunting, horseback riding and at parties. Portraits of their loved ones were also carved in relief using layers of agate stone (cameo engraving) and were passed down and appreciated from generation to generation. It is still possible to find such cameos in antique markets in Paris and London even today.

Some of these carvings incorporated the actual hair of the person being portrayed in the engraving. Unfortunately, gem engravers who can produce hand carved accessories from agate or semiprecious stone no longer exist in England or France. Skillful jewelers inheriting this technique are now found primarily in Idar-Oberstein, a town located in the mountains of southwestern Germany near the border with France and the Alsace region.  It would not be an exaggeration to say that the history of gemstone carving originated with this town. The skill of Idar-Oberstein carvers also influenced the origins of Italian shell cameo, which is less expensive and easier to carve than gemstones.

The history of Idar-Oberstein's gemstone carving goes back to before the Common Era. According to material preserved in the German Gemstone Museum, polishing and carving started in this area long ago in response to the large number of agate mines found in this area. There even exist examples of ancient African coins made from agate that originated in Idar-Oberstein. FEETBACK has developed a cooperative relationship with a famous master German gemstone carver in Idar-Oberstein who can take your requests and turn them into physical works of art using his ancient and exquisite hand-carving technique.

As you may be able to see from the pictures, there are two types of cameo. The most commonly seen cameos are engraved on the surface of the stone. Less common are the intaglio cameos, carved from the back of crystal. Long beloved of British aristocrats, such cameos have enamel paint hand-applied to the crystal intaglio. This painting process is executed using tweezer-like brushes with only a single hair made of acrylic material. The process involves extensive and precise work.

An artist will paint one small section, wait for it to dry, and then paint another. There are only a handful of gemstone master carvers who can apply this technique to their work. FEETBACK is able to meet a wide variety of design demands such as portraits of your beloved pet, your Chinese zodiac sign, figure painting, or even your family crest. Needless to say, plain intaglio carving without painting is also beautiful.We can provide you with full consultation relating to materials such as crystal, rutile quartz, and amethyst.

We will accept orders via email. Please inform us of your general requirements (material, carving, design) as well as your contact information. Please include a picture for orders involving the carving of portraits and pet figures. We will offer suggestions and submit a few possible patterns along with each quotation and will conduct a meeting in Tokyo or at our office in the suburbs. If you are living far from Tokyo and it is impossible to meet with us, we would like to discuss the details of your product request via e-mail or by phone.

We have a full line of jewelry not shown in the photos. Please feel free to send us an inquiry at any time. Upon receipt of your request we will be glad to provide you with detailed information attached with photos.