A reverse intaglio carving is a true form of skilled art! A design is drawn on the flat side and is delicately hand-carved into the crystal, and then painted in reverse by a masterful maker. This is quite unlike normal intaglio, which is painted on the front, as everything has to be done in reverse and from the back. Painting directly into the carved inside of the dome gives the paintings an incredible three-dimensional or '‘trompe l’oeil' effect.
This rare and wonderful pendant has a crocodile (possibly an alligator or a caiman) carved into moss agate and painted from the back. Turn it over and you'll find the creature seemingly trapped in the depths of the murky stone, just like an Ice Age fossil! The marks on the 18 karat yellow gold setting indicate that it is an English piece, with the Sheffield hallmark of a rose, which was used consistently after 1975. The carving could have been executed at an earlier date, then set in its current frame. A bit of a mystery surrounds this guy! Regardless, it is a spectacular and unusual find, sure to become your new favorite, beautiful oddity!
Details (approximate)
Dimensions: 2 1/8"
Weight: 26.85 grams
Materials: Gold, Carved Moss Agate
Metal: 18K yellow gold
Marks: Sheffield Rose hallmark (1975)
Condition: Excellent