The Art and Charm of Heirloom Intaglios: A Timeless Keepsake

As a newborn and family photographer in Huntsville, Alabama, I love offering my clients something truly timeless alongside their portraits. Twice a year, I offer Heirloom Photos —custom keepsakes that beautifully preserve your family’s most meaningful moments in a classic, artful way. These limited offerings are designed to give you something tangible to treasure long after the newborn days have passed and your family continues to grow.

When it comes to meaningful heirlooms that capture both artistic beauty and sentimental value, Heirloom Intaglios stand out as one of the most personal pieces of art you can create. At its core, Heirloom Intaglios transforms cherished photos into handcrafted silhouette intaglios—delicate engraved portraits that are uniquely yours and made to last for generations. 

Heirloom Intaglios is a custom art business that specializes in transforming personal photos—especially side profile images—into elegant silhouette intaglio artwork that serves as meaningful keepsakes and décor. Customers choose from a range of framed and unframed portrait intaglios, including options like the Rhodes, June, and acrylic framed versions, and upload their chosen images to be crafted into finely detailed silhouettes. Orders typically include a step-by-step process where clients submit photos and fabric selections, and the pieces are handcrafted with care, resulting in heirloom-quality art designed to be cherished and displayed in homes for years to come.

What Are Heirloom Intaglios?

At its most basic level, intaglios are designs engraved into a surface, traditionally used in jewelry and seals. Historically, intaglios were carved into gemstones to create personal seals and decorative rings; these were prized possessions in cultures from ancient Rome through the 19th century. 

Heirloom Intaglios, however, adapt this age-old art into modern keepsakes: custom silhouette engravings crafted from your own photographs. Instead of gemstones and wax seals, these contemporary intaglios are made to be displayed in frames or cherished as standalone art pieces.

How Heirloom Intaglios Works: From Photo to Artwork

Step-by-Step Creation

• Choose Your Photo: Select a clear profile or silhouette photo that captures the essence of your subject. This becomes the template for your custom engraving. 
• Upload & Personalize: After purchase, customers receive an email prompting them to upload their photo and choose fabric or framing options that reflect their style. 
• Artisan Craftsmanship: Each intaglio is handcrafted, closely carved from your image to preserve the likeness and personality of the subject. 

This process makes each piece more than decor; it becomes a family treasure that tells a story.

Popular Intaglios Options

Heirloom Intaglios offers a variety of formats to suit different tastes and display styles. Here are a few popular ones:

Faye Framed Portrait Intaglio

The Faye option is a classic, elegantly styled frame with multiple size options to accommodate individual or group silhouettes. 

Rhodes Framed Portrait Intaglio

A versatile frame that can be hung or propped, the Rhodes style suits both formal and casual spaces. 

Unframed Portrait Intaglio

Perfect for those who want to frame their piece in a meaningful or heirloom setting of their own, this option gives flexibility to display your intaglio as you choose. 

The Value of Personal Art

In an era of fleeting digital memories, Heirloom Intaglios offer something tangible—an heirloom you can touch, display, and cherish. Whether commemorating a child’s profile, a beloved pet, or a treasured family member, these custom intaglios blend craftsmanship and sentiment in a way that few other keepsakes can. 

If you’re seeking a meaningful, timeless piece of art with deep personal resonance, exploring Heirloom Intaglios might be a beautiful next step in your home’s collection of stories.

To reserve a family, maternity, or newborn session, contact for a session here!