Proud feathers, shining coat, the grouse is renowned for their protective spell. Dignified, elegant, fierce and famous, when adorned it makes a refined statement. 

Origin: c. 1870-1880, English

Size: 1.5 cm in diameter.

History:
All Essex crystal begin as perfect domes of light. Cut into a flat-backed cabochon droplet, it is then inlaid with a detailed etching.

Suspended in crystal the image takes on an ethereal quality known as “reverse intaglio.” It is rumored William Essex, who specialized in miniatures and was Queen Victoria’s favorite portrait artist, was behind such fine craftsmanship. In reality, they were introduced to the world by the painter Thomas Cook.

Victoria’s attention to detail isn’t more clearly wrought than in Essex crystal.