The beauty and impact of intarsia depends greatly on the quality of its design and the appropriate matching of various types of stone for color and pattern. Each piece of the design is individually shaped and fitted together much like a jigsaw puzzle. When the pieces have been perfectly fitted they are assembled with the good size down on a flat surface and backed with another flat stone for support, then both sides are polished.
Small and complicated designs require very skillful artisans to produce them, as any error is obvious, especially in geometric patterns. Likewise, excellent quality rough stone is required as a complement to the ability of the lapidary.
The end product is a unique and wonderful example of highly talented gemcraft and as such is an item for the connoisseur who understands and appreciates its rarity. The artistic and technical proficiency required to produce beautiful intarsia insures demand for them will always outrun the supply.
