1. the art or practice of engraving or carving designs, especially on gems or hard stones
Usage: usually treated as singular in modern usage; also called glyptography
2. the study or collection of engraved gems and carved stones
Usage: scholarly or antiquarian context

Examples

• The museum's collection of ancient glyptics showcases intricate cameos and intaglios from the Roman period.
• She studied glyptics to understand the techniques used by master gem cutters in the Renaissance.
• The exhibition featured examples of glyptics spanning three centuries of European craftsmanship.
• His passion for glyptics led him to become an expert in identifying authentic carved gemstones.
• Glyptics requires both artistic skill and knowledge of stone properties and hardness.