Have I learned anything?

I saw this pendant today. It was translucent; varied in color and carved. I thought carnelian. I looked at the back and no bubbles or pock marks. I looked at the front and realized that there were no carving marks. Conclusion - glass. Was I right?

 

Photo too small and not focus,what makes you think there are carving marks on all stone carvings?

 

This can also mean the piece has been very well polished.

 

Perhaps I should have said something this small with such detail couldn't have been made without some evidence. Tell me where I am wrong. I am eager to learn.

 

The photo I agree is poor, but the surface was matte versus shiny.

 

It depends on what the carver wants and their experience,just because it is cut by hand or machine matters little.Here's a little lesson for you...............

 

There seems to be some roughness around the top row of swirls, but when I make the photo bigger to check, it all becomes one big blur.

 

Kiko, I can make some macro pictures from english press glass copies from roman or greek cameos and from cut ones.
That can help you to see what you have as marks made by those process.
It can be press glass if you have no parts in relief which cannot be taken out of a mold or holes perpendicular to the surface too.
Some carvers use micro sanding on their work to have different surfaces aspects or they use acid etching for the same reasons.

 

Any Jewelry. I took the photo so I could see it closer up, and only decided to post it here later. If it is still there next time I go I'll buy it and look at it through my loupe. Thank you very much for your reply.

 

Lecollectionneur That would be so helpful, if it is not too much bother to take those pictures. The point about perpendicular to the surface is well taken. I think there may be rolls near the top that may be curved under. This will help me a lot in assessing things in the future. Kiko

 

@KikoBlueEyes

Another venture in education,a carving forum with different materials made by hobbyist and professionals.It is not as active as in the past and a number of photos are no longer there,but 50 pages of threads will show you a number of things,there are also tutorials,etc on the main forum. https://www.thecarvingpath.net/forum/10-new-work-or-show-amp-tell/