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
UK Christmas Deadline 23rd Dec
10% off with LASTMIN10
The Antique Jewellery Company Experts since 1975Read Our Story
The Antique Jewellery Company

Victorian 18ct Gold Reverse Intaglio Rock Crystal Tie Pin of a Lion’s Head

951U
160 Admirers Rare Find
Written by Olly Gerrish

A very finely executed reverse intaglio crystal of a lion’s head.

The art of reverse crystal intaglio is incredible. The crystal was sourced in Brazil and 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 with 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 using very fine brushes and paint work in reverse to create highly detailed images, 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. In England Thomas Cook made crystals for Lambeth & Co. Mr. Cook was succeeded by his apprentice, Thomas Bean. Bean’s son and grandson carried on the tradition of reverse crystal intaglios.
Reverse crystal intaglios were set as stickpins, buttons and studs, mounted on tie pins, cuff links, lockets, pendants and brooches. This relatively secret process, with its techniques passed through family members, kept it exclusive and expectations of quality were very high. They remained in fashion until poorly made glass and plastic imitations flooded the market c. 1920.
This example of a wonderful lion’s head is really fine quality, and mounted in an 18ct gold with a decorative rope border.

All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.

Ollys Pick

The photographs do not do this grand old boy justice!

£2,950or from £246/month at 0% More info

including Free Box
Get 10% off with LASTMIN10
AJC VIP
Join to earn 2,950 Rewards Points from this item
More Info
  • Add to Wishlist
🎄 Last UK Christmas Orders
Item Number
951U
Measurements
Diameter 2.4cm
Length of pin 7.3cm
Materials
Date & Origin
Provenance
English
Hallmarks

Unmarked, 18ct gold

Condition
Very Good
Discovered
1 year ago

🇬🇧
Last UK Christmas Orders
2pm, Monday 23rd December

🇺🇸
The deadline for USA Christmas orders has now passed

Estimated Delivery:
UK - Arriving tomorrow, Saturday 21st December
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

Easy Returns

Free returns for up to 30 days

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 Rock Crystal Tie Pin of a Lion's Head

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