Estate Sterling Silver Essex Crystal Horse Head Pin with Mother of Pearl Back, 1960s

This estate pin from the 1960s is crafted in 925 sterling silver and centers on an oval Essex crystal showing a chestnut horse head in a black bridle with gold toned hardware. The crystal sits in a fine beaded bezel and is backed with mother of pearl, which gives the scene a soft, warm glow. It rests on a sterling riding crop with a textured handle and twisted shaft, flanked by two pairs of snaffle bits. The pin is stamped 925, measures 2 1/8 x 5/8 inches, and weighs 5 grams.

Essex crystal is a technique in which a design is carved into the back of a clear, domed cabochon and then painted by hand, so the image appears to float in three dimensions when viewed from the front. The style first became popular in the Victorian era, when sporting and equestrian subjects such as horses, hounds, and foxes were favorite choices, and it enjoyed a strong revival in the mid twentieth century. The name is generally linked to William Essex, a nineteenth century English enamel painter, though historians still debate the connection.

With its classic equestrian theme and hand painted detail, this pin makes a thoughtful gift for a rider or horse lover and a fine addition to any collection of sporting jewelry.

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