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Portland Headlight is the
image of the Maine coast, drawing visitors and residents
alike.
To celebrate this iconic
Maine landmark we commissioned a German master carver
and painter to capture the lighthouse in this
magnificent English Crystal landscape.
Portland Headlight English
Crystal Pin & Pendant Combination
18k yellow & white gold
mounting
4 diamonds - North, South,
East, West
$3,400.00
A miniature work of Art:
The image is carved in
reverse on the back side of a flawless quartz crystal.
Once all the detail has been flushed out the piece is
then hand painted with brushes as thin as a human hair.
The painting is carefully done in reverse - from the
highlight colors to the main color layers. A flat Mother
of Pearl shell is then applied to the back to give it a
special luminescent quality. These are miniature works
of art - each handcrafted with no two crystals exactly
the same.
Origins of the Art:
The art of English Crystals
began in Europe hundreds of years ago with common
subjects of animals and floral arrangements. The
carving process is known as reverse
intaglio. This practice requires specialized skills
that have been passed through families for generations.
These skills have become rare and highly respected.
Limited Supply:
Due to the precision and
master craftsmanship involved in such a piece we are
only able to make two, possibly three Portland Headlight
crystals each
year.
Special Care For Fine Art
Jewelry:
Due to the nature of this
piece it requires care like that more of a painting than
a piece of jewelry. Quartz crystal, the material used
for carving, is a strong stone, but it can crack. So
take care to never drop your crystal jewelry on a hard
surface. Don’t immerse your crystal jewelry in water as
the painting is not waterproof. Any jewelry repairs
should be undertaken by Cross Jewelers.
With a little loving
attention your crystal works of art will stay beautiful
for generations to come.
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