Reverse carved rock crystal is a demanding technique that leaves no room for error. The image is carved from the back of the crystal in fine deliberate detail, each line forming the owl when viewed through the clear front face. There is no hiding a mistake — the work either succeeds completely or it fails. This one succeeds completely.
The owl perches on a branch with its head turned, every feather individually worked, the branch and budding twigs extending below with the same precision. Viewed through the polished front face the carving appears to float within the crystal, three dimensional and entirely still. A photograph cannot do it justice — this is a piece that needs to be seen in motion.
Set in a simple 9ct gold frame that lets the crystal and the carving remain the focus. The tiniest of chips visible on the reverse under a loupe — not visible from the front and does not affect the integrity of the piece.
9ct gold · Hallmarked 1991 · Reverse carved rock crystal · Owl motif · Weight 3.8g · Dimensions 2.1 x 1.6cm