Victorian 18ct Gold Essex Crystal Tie Pin with a Horse Racing Scene

Victorian 18ct Gold Essex Crystal Tie Pin with a Horse Racing SceneA beautiful example of a Victorian Essex crystal, this 18ct gold tie pin features a wonderfully detailed reverse carved and painted scene of a jockey mid gallop. The horse is captured in full stretch a moment of pure movement frozen beneath a domed rock crystal. What is an Essex crystal? Essex crystals (also known as reverse intaglios) are tiny works of art. The image is carved in reverse into the back of a domed rock crystal, then meticulously

A beautiful example of a Victorian Essex crystal, this 18ct gold tie pin features a wonderfully detailed reverse-carved and painted scene of a jockey mid-gallop. The horse is captured in full stretch - a moment of pure movement frozen beneath a domed rock crystal.

What is an Essex crystal?
Essex crystals (also known as reverse intaglios) are tiny works of art. The image is carved in reverse into the back of a domed rock crystal, then meticulously painted from behind before being sealed with a layer of mother-of-pearl or foiled backing. When viewed from the front, the scene appears almost three-dimensional like a miniature world suspended under glass. Victorians adored them, and sporting motifs such as horses, dogs and game birds were especially prized.

This piece is a classic of its type: crisp detailing, rich colour, and that magical sense of depth that gives Essex crystals their unmistakable charm.