Carved Intaglio Rock Crystal Dog Cufflinks

Increasingly rare, these rock crystal cufflinks are well carved in reverse with four different dogs. They were then painted and mounted in 18ct75% pure gold (or 750 parts pure gold and 250 parts other metals) gold. The trade in carving crystal, which is one of the hardest stones to cut, was based in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. The crystals were then exported throughout Europe to be mounted by jewellers in various pieces of jewellery. It was a difficult and demanding procedure which is why pieces such as these cufflinks are so prized today.