Portrait carvings known as Essex crystals were popular during Georgian times and often depicted fauna and flora themes. Each one is created by first carving a rock crystal cabochon – a clear gem domed on one side, flat on the other – with the desired motifs, which are in turn painted layer by layer to add depth to the piece. Only a few artists today master this Ancient art form. Our long time partner, Michael Peuster, is a renowned Master carver in Idar Oberstein, the historical epicenter for gem carving and has developed proprietary techniques to fine tune the resolution of the details.