The Elegant Cufflink, the reverse intaglio stickpin experts. (SP9607) The Elegant Cufflink home page Antique and Vintage Jewelry Galleries Antique and Vintage Stickpin Gallery Purhasing an estate jewel.

Victorian "Essex Crystal" Stickpin

Victorian reverse intaglio terrier stickpin. (SP9607)

Fox Terrier


An elegant Victorian stickpin with a reverse intaglio ("Essex crystal") of an alert fox terrier.  The finely sculpted intaglio beautifully captures the terrier's expression of focused determination.  The portrait is richly rendered with fine details of the terrier's collar, markings and fur.  A miniature masterpiece crafted in 14kt gold, circa 1880.

This finely detailed reverse intaglio began with a gem carver meticulously carving the scene into the reverse of a polished dome of rock crystal (hence the term "reverse intaglio").  Then using fine brushes (sometimes no more than a single horsehair) the artist carefully colored and highlighted the terrier and his collar.  Finally, the back of the crystal was sealed with a small disk of mother of pearl throwing the image into bright, luminous relief.  Truly a Victorian masterpiece in miniature!

Cost:  $775

Measurements:  This 14kt gold stickpin is  2 3/4" long and weighs 4.6 grams.  The reverse intaglio top measures 11/16" by 1/2".


Victorian reverse intaglio terrier stickpin. (SP9607)


Victorian reverse intaglio terrier stickpin. (SP9607)
Victorian reverse intaglio terrier stickpin. (SP9607)


The reverse of the stickpin is as nicely crafted as the front.  The back is enclosed with gold to help protect the intaglio crystal and the mother-of-pearl backing.

Here are a few more elegant jewels from the past ...

Hans Brassler medieval amethyst stickpin. (SP9421) Equestrian stickpin of horse head in profile. (J9056) French Art Nouveau dragon stickpin. (J9485)



Antique Jewelry Galleries      Antique Stickpin Gallery


If you have any questions, suggestions or comments, I can be reached at
978 525-8951  or  arthur@jewelryexpert.com.


Or, if you prefer snail mail, my postal address is:

Arthur Anderson
PO Box 1448
Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA
01944-0870


© Copyright Arthur Anderson
2022  -  2024 All Rights Reserved