Victorian reverse intaglio or English crystal brooch with horse head

A reverse intaglio (also called: English crystal) is a crystal cut in the form of a cabochon, shallow or domes, that is carved in intaglio on it flat back with a motif that is realistically painted in minute detail and is surrounded by a transparent ground. The deeper the carving, the more pronounced the three-dimensional trompe l'oeil effect, which is sometimes enhanced by a backing of thin layer of mother-of-pearl (as is the case with this brooch). The carved motif, for pieces mounted in a circular gold band as a tie pin, cuff links, button, or studs for men, was usually a racing horse, game bird or dog, and for pieces in a brooch or a locket for women, a floral design or a monogram; some examples depict an insect or a coaching scene.

The technique was originated by Émile Marius Pradier, of Belgium, c. 1860 (he made the only known-signed example). In England it was developed by Thomas Cook in the early 1860s and carried on by his pupil Thomas Bean and the latter's son Edmund and grandson Edgar (d. 1954).

Object group: brooches
Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe it to be of Belgian or British origin.
Style: Victorian - (styles overview)
Period: ca. 1890 (events and facts in 1890)
Source of inspiration: equestrian sport, horse back riding, dressage
Theme: reined horse head
Material: 18K bi-color (yellow and white) gold, although most of this jewel is in yellow gold, the diamonds are set in white gold. This finds it origin in a much older period (see explanation on silver on gold). - (precious metals)
Diamonds: 15 rose cut diamonds. We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts.
Precious stones: 15 carre cut calibrated rubies - (precious stones)
Birthstones: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April and ruby for July. - (general birthstones explanation)
More background information on: reverse intaglio crystal
Hallmarks: No trace. - (general hallmarks info)
Condition: excellent condition - (our condition scale)
Dimensions: Diameter approx. 1.53 cm (0.60 inch)
Weight: 5.00 gram (3.22 dwt)

ReferenceNº: 08281-1004

See also our:
victorian jewelry, victorian brooches, all brooches, jewelry with horses, jewelry with animals, painted jewelry or our latest acquisitions.

Or have a look at our jewelry with birthstones (or month stones) for:
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November or December.

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