Horse heads under rock crystal in white gold

Very rare and unusual reverse rock crystal intaglio cufflinks in 18 ct. white gold showing different horse heads. The reverse crystal intaglio started as a fashion in 1862 when the first example was shown at the international Exhibition in London. The underside of a smooth, domed piece of rock crystal was deeply carved and then painted in minute detail and backed with a slice of mother-of-pearl so that the subject slightly magnified by the dome of crystal, looked as if it was curiously suspended in its glassy cocoon.

 

YEAR

40' ies