A beautiful Edwardian oval rock crystal brooch depicting Carnations. Carnations symbolise love and affection within the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
 
This beautiful brooch has a finely painted spray of carnations detailed into the carved rock crystal. The crystal is finely set within a gold border and an oval white outer enamel rim. It is closed to the reverse in gold and has a sprung pin.
 
The reverse carved rock crystal is set within a fine gold rim and then a white enamel outer border. The mother of pearl backing is visible to the reverse and the brooch has a sprung pin. The brooch has Austrian marks for 14ct gold with a makers stamp
 
This technique is made by the rock crystal being cut into a cabochon shape and a detailed design carved into it from the reverse. The image is painted inside the crystal so that when viewed from the front it appears in three dimensions. This technique is known as a “reverse intaglio.” The technique is sometimes referred to as an 'Essex crystal.'
 
Era: Edwardian, 1901 - 1920
Measurements: Brooch 2.9cm in length, 1.8 at longest point.
It weighs 8.0grams
Hallmarks: Austrian marks for 14ct gold with a makers stamp