Vintage Crystal Intaglio Floral Design Reversed Carved Brooch, Sterling Silver.

These pieces of reversed carved crystals are very amazing pieces of art. These began in Europe and was attributed to a Belgian artist in 1860. Thomas Cook from England then started making these intaglio crystal pieces that are very hard to carve and that is why most of them are small. Intaglio crystals are mined in Brazil and Madagascar and are cut with a diamond saw. Once the crystal is cut then the artist carves and paints on the reverse side to get this effect, very tedious process. This gorgeous piece is from my jewelry collection, it is 1" by 1", marked on pin but I have no idea from who, sterling silver tested, shows patina wear, very vintage pin back (see pics), amber colored with ivory flowers and in great vintage condition. Do your research there are a lot of fake intaglio pieces out there and the Lucite pieces are completely different (made of plastics not real crystals). This is a wonderful gift for anyone who loves vintage jewelry with deep artistry and history of items that are no longer made.