This exquisite pair of early twentieth century 18 carat yellow gold cufflinks are a wonderful example of exquisite Essex Crystal jewellery.
Each of the four cabochon crystals measures approximately 13.3mm in diameter and features a different depiction of a polo horse riding scene, capturing the dynamic movements of the riders and their horses. The attention to detail in these painted scenes is simply extraordinary. Essex Crystals, also known as reverse intaglio crystals, magnify the beautifully detailed artworks beneath them. These incredible scenes were crafted by carving out a scene into the flat side of the rock crystal cabochon, and then carefully hand-painting the scene into the carving, to give the image that three dimensional effect.
To create a sophisticated contrast, the circular design is framed by a solid 18 carat yellow gold setting with a smooth and polished finish to the reverse and the ends are connected via a delicate gold bar.
They measure approximately 1.3cm in diameter, and 2.5cm in length and have a combined weight of 8.8 grams. The cufflinks are stamped 750 and 'Tiffany & Co'. Accompanied by a fitted box, these cufflinks are a true collector's treasure and we date them to around the 1920s.