Reverse intaglio rock crystal pendant of a Pekingese dog,the first of this particular breed I have come across in 25 years.
'Essex crystals' as they are commonly known(a misnomer relating to William Essex,noted painted in enamels at the same time) in fact originated in Belgium in the 1860s attributed to an artist named Emile Marius Pradier. The rock crystal cabochon is carved from the back and hand painted and set to a mother of pearl disc within the 18ct gold mount.This example bears the retailers signature to the reverse 'Ed.Van den Hove & fils,Bruxelles'.c.1880. 3/4inch across.