Certainly the right forum - after all Rock Crystal is also used as a name for a type of glass. It is, and always has been, valued in hot countries because of its thermal conductivity - meaning it always feels cool. It is of course a damned sight easier to carve for such inlays than glass. These properties make it ideal for the handle of a weapon.
The significant design feature is Khrishna appearing in Monkey form. I do not think this is as late as 19th century (gut feeling) - I used to collect Indian art and virtually all I have left is an astonishing North Indian Hill's painting of Khrishna and the Gopi's - particularly astonishing because of the size. I sold a less exciting one some years ago and it got snapped up by an Indian collector. (Also a 19th century Indian wedding sari in purple silk and gold leaf.)
No idea if he is still around, but Henry Brownrigg is the person to give you the full detail on this delightful find. He used to have a stall in Portobello market, opposite to me and was the reason I collected this stuff. His knowledge was phenomenal and respected by his peers.
Topic: Glass based jewellery. Need help please. Micromosaic and inlaid glass. (Read 1988 times)
