Tiny Victorian Jack Russel Essex Crystal Slide Pendant

This tiny Essex crystal slide pendant depicts the image of a Jack Russell terrier. Its image is encircled by a row of rose-cut diamonds, interspersed with four rubies in square settings. It can be worn as a slide on a choker or bracelet, but is also very suitable to wear as a pendant. 

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 pup.

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: 13 mm in diameter. 

Weight: 2.25 grams.

Age: 19th Century, also known as the Victorian era, circa 1860s.

Material: Hallmarked for 14k gold. 

Condition: in great antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with age.

Please note that the antique box is for display purposes only. This shop is based in the EU. Although antiques are exempt from taxes in most countries, buyers outside the EU might be subject to import taxes.