Vintage Sterling Silver Essex Crystal Ring with Spaniel Dog

A rare and utterly charming Essex crystal ring. At its heart lies a domed crystal, reverse-carved and hand-painted with the lifelike image of a brown-haired Spaniel — its gentle expression and fine detailing captured with astonishing skill. Beneath the crystal, is a lustrous mother-of-pearl background, with a luminous glow that enhances the three-dimensional effect.

A true feat of miniature artistry, this is far more than a piece of jewellery — it’s a portrait, a keepsake, and a conversation starter all in one. A stand-out piece for any collector with a love of antique curiosities or canine companions.

Essex crystal jewellery is made using a reverse intaglio technique, where a design—often an animal, flower, or sporting scene—is hand-carved into the flat back of a clear, domed crystal, usually rock crystal (quartz). The carved design is then meticulously hand-painted in fine detail, and finally backed with mother-of-pearl or foil to enhance the image and create depth. When viewed from the front, the image appears three-dimensional and lifelike, almost as if it’s floating within the crystal. This labour-intensive process was especially popular in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

This pendant comes presented in a Milly's Marvels gift box.

DIMENSIONS OF CRYSTAL - 2cm x 2cm

RING SIZE - US 7.75

WEIGHT - 9.3grams

HALLMARKS - "Sterling" to INSIDE OF RING SHANK

ERA - Circa 1980s

CONDITION - This ring is offered in excellent condition. Please review all photos carefully.