The Antique Jewellery Company Christmas Gift Bow The Gift Guide
Latest Finds What's Hot Expert Picks The Archive Sale Eras Collections
Contact Book Appointment
Wishlist Sign In
The Antique Jewellery Company
10% Off with WRAPPEDUP
Free Delivery, Returns & Sizing
The Antique Jewellery Company Experts since 1975Read Our Story
The Antique Jewellery Company

Victorian 18ct Gold & Reverse Intaglio Crystal Tie Pin of a Hunting Lady Mounted on a Horse with Hound

259P
614 Admirers Rare Find
Written by Olly Gerrish

A reverse crystal intaglio is a rock crystal cabochon with an intaglio carved into the flat back. The intaglio was also painted realistically with oils so, that when viewed through the top, the image appears three-dimensional. Finally, the back was sealed in order to preserve the painted areas. The technique originated in Belgium c. 1860 and is attributed to an artist named Emile Marius Pradier. This technique was also practiced in England by Thomas Cook and his descendants who made crystals for Lambeth & Co.
Production of a reverse crystal intaglio begins with the mining and cutting of fine rock crystal from Brazil or Madagascar. A well-formed cabochon is the key to a beautifully made reverse intaglio and the tedious process of hand polishing it to perfection had to be completed before the design work could begin. A watercolour of the image was painted on the underside of the cabochon and an oil and diamond dust mixture was used along with up to 250 scribing tools to carve the design into the interior of the crystal “…the deeper the carving the more pronounced trompe l’oeil effect.” Once the carving was established the painting process began with extremely fine brushes and paint working in reverse to create incredibly detailed images.
The motifs most commonly found are sporting themes like horses, dogs, foxes and birds. This relatively secret process passed through family members, so keeping it exclusive and expectations of quality were very high. This example is a highly detailed carving of a lady hunts woman riding sidesaddle on her horse with a hound beside her within an 18ct gold mount with rope work detail. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.

Ollys Pick

A rare reverse intaglio rock crystal tie pin

£1,275or from £106/month at 0% More info

including Free Box
10% off with WRAPPEDUP
AJC VIP
Join to earn 1,275 Rewards Points from this item
More Info
  • Add to Wishlist
Item Number
259P
Measurements
Top diameter 1.7cm
Materials
Date & Origin
Provenance
English
Hallmarks

Unmarked, tested to 18ct gold

Condition
Excellent
Discovered
4 years ago

Estimated Delivery:
UK - Arriving tomorrow, Friday 22nd November
USA & Europe - 3-5 working days
Rest of World - 6-8 working days

More info, including Duties & Taxes

We offer a 30 day, full money-back guarantee on all purchases.

UK - Free, with a pre-paid returns envelope
USA, Europe & Rest of World - Buyer pays for return postage and any taxes/duties applied

More info

Delivery

Worldwide Delivery

Complimentary on all orders

More info
Returns

Extended Returns

Free returns until 8th January 2025

More info
Payment

Interest Free Payments

Up to 12 months with an instant decision

More info
Ring Sizing

Free Sizing

On all ring purchases

More info
AJC Townhouse
Victorian 18ct Gold & Reverse Intaglio Crystal Tie Pin of a Hunting Lady Mounted on a  Horse with Hound

Want to see it in person?

We look forward to welcoming you to the AJC Townhouse, our home in the heart of London's Mayfair - and one of London's best kept secrets.

Book Your Appointment
Sustainable Luxury

The Responsible Choice

Buying antique jewellery is both ethical and eco-friendly as harmful and destructive mining processes are not needed to make an item yours. So give yourself a pat on the back!

Find Out More
Sustainable Luxury
AJC Guarantee
Our Guarantee

Our Guarantee

We always stand by our five core principles:
Quality, Rarity, Expertise, Peace of Mind and Personal Touch

Find Out More