Ancient seal rings performed a function similar to an individual’s signature in the modern day: the seal stamp confirmed the authenticity of a document or letter. The method for engraving these rings and stones is known as ‘intaglio’, and the images engraved upon them were totally unique, thus associating the seal with a specific individual. Intaglio could comprise a number of materials, but soft stones were usually used, as these were easier for the cutters to engrave.