What Is Reverse Crystal Jewelry?

Composition

• A reverse crystal cabochon is made from a piece of clear crystal. The cabochon is flat on one side and rounded, like a dome, on the other side.

Image

• A jeweler or artist carves and paints a design on the flat side of the piece--traditionally a horse, dog or fox head.

Finishing

• The final step is to paint the flat side of the piece with a thin layer of mother-of-pearl. This creates a three-dimensional effect and makes the piece shine when viewed from the rounded side.

Collectibility

• Many vintage pieces of reverse crystal jewelry are worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Fun Fact

• Reverse crystal jewelry is also known as Essex crystal jewelry.