This adorable essex crystal brooch has the image of a smirking fox, who looks excited to be the center of attention!
Essex crystals are cabochon-cut rock crystals, which have their design intricately carved into the back of the crystal, unlike cameos and intaglios, which always have the design cut out of the front. The miniature image on the inside is then painted, which gives a beautiful three-dimensional effect. The back of the crystal was closed off using a piece of mother of pearl, which gives a luminous effect around the tiny fox.
Essex crystals were invented in the mid-19th Century and were all the rage up until the early 20th Century. The incredibly difficult and time-consuming process of creating them means that they are rare to find and therefore very collectible today.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: the brooch is 50 mm long: the Essex crystal has a diameter of 14.5 mm.
Weight: 5.30 grams.
Age: 19th Century, circa 1880s.
Material: Acid tested as 18k gold.
Condition: in great antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with age.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes only.