19th Century 14ct Gold Large Reverse Intaglio Crystal Of A Cocker Spaniel Pendant & Brooch

An unusually large and rare reverse intaglioAn engraved stone, the opposite of a cameo, with a recessed design cut below the surface of the stone. Intaglio designs are common for signet rings and fob seals. rock crystal of a cocker spaniel. The domed rock crystal has been carved on the reverse with a spaniel’s head and then hand coloured before backing it with a layer of mother of pearlThe iridescent inner layer of certain molluscs such as oysters or abalones which is used as a decorative inlay.. Surrounding the crystal is a dog collar in 14ct58.5% pure gold (or 585 parts pure gold to 415 parts other metals) gold. This was highly skilled work and pieces such as this brooch that can also be worn as a pendant are very sought after. It was made circa 1880 in Germany where some of the finest examples of carved rock crystal pieces were made.