Pietra Dura refers to the inlay technique of using thin, cut-to-shape pieces of colorful semi-precious stones to create patterns and imagery. The essence of this technique lies in arranging these precisely cut stones so that the joins are minimized, resulting in a two-dimensional appearance of the pattern or image.

The process begins with designing and tracing the desired pattern or image. Stones, typically a few millimeters thick, are cut according to the design. Traditionally, this cutting was done using an iron or copper wire, along with abrasive pastes such as emery, to achieve smooth edges. 

The design is then cut out from the backing stone, with the outline shape cut at an angle. This allows the pieces to fit snugly together at the front, while the gaps at the back are filled with glue.

Once cut, the colored stones are then inserted into the spaces cut out from the backing stone. The assembly is done back-to-front on a flat stone slab. Once inlaid, the stones are glued in place, and any gaps are filled with gesso to strengthen the panel's back. The back is then smoothed with a coarse abrasive paste to allow an even application of a thick slate sheet, forming the support.

The slabs are turned over, and the topmost slab is removed to reveal the completed design. The completed plaque is polished in multiple stages with increasingly fine, damp grit to reveal the full color and luster of the stones. The surface is then finished with wax to protect and polish the surface. Although Pietra Dura panels are typically flat, they are sometimes arranged in low relief, a technique often used in furniture design.

AURI adapts the traditional Pietra Dura technique for modern handbag design, making adjustments to meet the demands of functional objects. For instance, we tailor the panel's thickness and select materials for panel supports accordingly. The inlay technique is ideal for designs set against a continuous background, while other forms, such as overlay and fitted, are chosen based on the nature of the design, the delicacy of its elements, and the number of stones used.