An agate with Kalimah and Bismillah, carved in relief, dated 1762/3

Source: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=885553942#DESC
(downloaded June 2002)

"This is a Magnificient rare pendant stone with "Kalima" and "Bismallah...." on an evenly colored agate stone in naskh script. This incredible piece of art is most sought after because of two important reasons. Firstly, This is NOT a regular engraving but is in RELIEF (similar to embossing effect on paper wherein letters are raised). This effect is obtained by cutting stone from the surrounding of alphabets at the base,which is a very rare art. Secondly, this masterpiece is exactly 247 years old. As it is dated i.e:1176 Al Hijri (Presently,it is 1423 Al Hijri). It may be mentioned here for collector's iinterest that dated precious/semi precious stones are amongst the highest rarities in Islamic art. This Octagonal awesome stone is decorated with floral design around the border in relief. Translation of arabic text in arabic naskh reads as follows: First line: "In the name of Allah (GOD) Most Magnificient, Most Merciful." Second line: "There is no God but Allah and Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) is the Messsenger of ALLAH". Left bottom side of the agate in the corner:1176."