18K Gold Essex Crystal West-Flying Mallard Duck Charm

At Kirsten’s Corner we always find a bit of magic in the reverse-painted Essex crystal items. They are made with a painstaking technique that involves carving on the back of the crystal and then delicately painting an image so that a three dimensional form is captured within the stone. In this charm, we see a mallard duck flying above a blue pond with tall grass. The bird has beautiful details in its wings, green head, and tiny eye. The crystal is backed in Mother of Pearl, adding another layer of luminous shine. The reference to snow globes is ever present and taps into childhood magic. 

The charm was converted from Edwardian cufflinks, circa 1910. The duck in this charm is flying west, making it a perfect gift for someone either heading west for a new adventure or to return home. We also have its counterpart, the 18K Gold Essex East-Flying Mallard Duck Charm, available in our shop. 

The charm measures 1/2” across and 7/8” from top to bottom, including the bail. The bail’s opening measures 5.5 mm. The piece weighs 2.6 grams. Unmarked but acid tests as 18k gold. (The 18k mark was found on the other cufflink in the pair.) 

Also pictured with our 18K Gold Essex Crystal Pheasant Charm and 18K Gold Essex Crystal Wild Turkey Charm.