A good 18ct gold tie pin with an intaglio of a race horse's head that was made circa 1880. It has been carved in reverse from rock crystal which is a difficult process. A reverse crystal intaglio is a rock crystal cabochon with an intaglio carved into the flat back. The intaglio was also painted realistically with oils so, that when viewed through the top, the image appears three-dimensional. Finally, the back was sealed in order to preserve the painted areas. The technique originated in Belgium c. 1860 and is attributed to an artist named Emile Marius Pradier. This technique was also practiced in England by Thomas Cook and his descendants who made crystals for Lambeth & Co. Production of a reverse crystal intaglio begins with the mining and cutting of fine rock crystal from Brazil or Madagascar. A well-formed cabochon is the key to a beautifully made reverse intaglio and the tedious process of hand polishing it to perfection had to be completed before the design work could begin. A watercolour of the image was painted on the underside of the cabochon and an oil and diamond dust mixture was used along with up to 250 scribing tools to carve the design into the interior of the crystal “…the deeper the carving the more pronounced trompe l’oeil effect.” Once the carving was established the painting process began with extremely fine brushes and paint working in reverse to create incredibly detailed images. The motifs most commonly found are sporting themes – horses, dogs, foxes and birds. This relatively secret process passed through family members, so keeping it exclusive and expectations of quality were very high. They remained in fashion until poorly made glass and plastic imitations flooded the market circa 1920. This tie pin is a superb example of the art and is mounted in 18ct gold with a decorative border. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A smart Art Deco tie pin set with a diamond. Around it is a mother of pearl plaque surrounded by a platinum rim. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin. A perfect present for a future husband!}

Someone obviously thought this little geode of agate was rather special and has made it into a tie pin. Inside the geode is an element of red agate as well. The silver mount has been made to look like the outside of a geode. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin}

A silver tie pin that was made circa 1900-1910 of a horse's head. Ideal for a horse lover! All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin}

A beautiful French 18ct gold tie pin of a Dragon. The winged beast is seen grasping a diamond in it's mouth, which is its prey. It was made in the Art Nouveau period. This was an artistic movement which peaked in popularity between 1890 and 1910 and influenced all fields of art, architecture and applied art. It is a French term meaning "new art" and is characterised by organic and plant motifs as well as other highly stylised forms. It was also heavily influenced by oriental art. It was in 1854, Japan reluctantly signed the Japan-US Treaty of Peace and Amity, which ended the island chain’s seclusion that had been in place for more than 200 years. The Americans, Russians, and British governments were all eager to capitalise on the new resources available, but it was France, under the leadership of Napoleon III who built shipyards in Japan in exchange for the right to import Japanese goods. The introduction of both modern and antique Japanese artistic designs created a fascination with dragons, lotus flowers and other natural themes that significantly influenced the motifs of the Art Nouveau period. This 18ct gold tie pin epitomises the period. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin}

A spectacular large Victorian snake stick pin set with a cabochon sardonyx. Onyx is a variety of chalcedony, which has bands of white and black, with black being more dominant. The snake represents eternal love and onyx was often used to remember a loved one, so it may have been a memorial tie pin. It was made circa 1870 when it was the height of fashion to wear black after Queen Victoria mourned the death of her loved one, the Prince Consort, Albert. Albert died in 1861 and Victoria continued to mourn his death until she died in 1901. Queen Victoria and Albert also had a great love for snakes and their meaning. Her engagement ring featured two snakes! All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An unusual 15ct gold tie pin that was made circa 1860-1880 at the time when Scotland was the destination place to go as Queen Victoria had just purchased Balmoral castle. It is a shield with a garter around it and has been set with jasper and bloodstone. It is in the original presentation case. Stamped in gold on the green silk interior is "Marshall 24 & 25 Prince's St Edinburgh". All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin. A wonderful gift for a Scottish gentleman!}

An attractive gold & enamelled flower tie pin set with a natural pearl by Child & Child. Walter Child and his younger brother Harold founded the business Child & Child in 1880. They began to make the jewellery for which they are famous for. Whilst they created gem-set jewellery in both traditional and revivalist styles it is their Arts and Crafts enamel and silver pieces for which they became well known. Bright shades of green, turquoise and blue enamel are typical of their work on various items of jewellery. The firm attracted a wide circle of clients including Pre-Raphaelite artists such as William Holman Hunt and Sir Edward Burne-Jones. The partnership between the brothers was dissolved in 1899 but Harold carried on alone at the same address enjoying the patronage of several members of the Royal Family including Queen Victoria, King Edward VII and King George V and at the beginning of the 20th Century he was granted the Royal Warrant by Her Majesty Queen Alexandra. When Harold died in 1915 the firm closed. Despite operating for only 35 years their work remains popular and is regarded today as some of the most representative of the Arts and Crafts style. Their enamel jewellery in particular is very collectable as seen it this example of their work. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An unusual solid 18ct gold novelty tie pin of a cat's head that was made circa 1900-1910. He has bright diamond eyes. A special piece for all you cat lovers out there ! All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A smart platinum tie pin set with fourteen white diamonds within a millgrain setting. This style of tie pin would have been worn by horse racing enthusiasts. It was made in the 1920s. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An unusual combination of a jade tie pin and a dyed blue chalcedony tie pin joined together by a 15ct gold and natural pearl chain. They are in the original red Morocco case with a gold crown printed on the silk within. Perhaps it was a commission made circa 1900-1910. They can be worn as cloak pins.}

A smart 15ct gold tie pin set with an old mine cut diamond with applied leaf and flower detail around it. This type of tie pin is ideal when worn on a cravat. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A very unusual 18ct gold tie pin with Royal blue enamel ground and white enamel figures in various positions. There is a snake like creature and a man holding a flag. It is difficult to determine what the subject is so I settled for circus figures! It was made circa 1900. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A lovely 15ct gold tie pin set with four sapphires and natural split pearls with a natural pearl in the centre. It was made circa 1900-1910. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A useful 15ct gold tie pin in a knot design that was made circa 1900-1915. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A fine little spider tie pin set with an oval aquamarine and a small natural pearl. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A smart 15ct gold tie pin that was made circa 1880. It has been set with an oval banded sardonyx with small rose diamonds around it. It may have been a memorial tie pin as onyx was often used to remember a loved one. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A beautifully modelled fox head tie pin that was made in the early 1900s. The head has been set with rose diamonds and he has ruby cabochon eyes. This tie pin would be ideal for a sportsman. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A lovely 15ct gold tie pin set with a sapphire. It is finely made circa 1900-1910, and would look great on a lapel, tie or cravat. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A smart 15ct gold tie pin set with a ruby. It has gold hand applied rope decoration around the edge. It was made circa 1880-1900. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An unusual 18ct gold tie pin that was made circa 1820 and features a coiled snake with a natural pearl dropping from it's mouth. His body is green enamel and he has red enamel eyes. There is an extra small tie pin for a secure fixing that is original to the tie pin. Snakes featured heavily in the myths of ancient Greece and Rome. They were reviled for their ability to shed their skin, meaning that they were seen as a symbol of regeneration and rebirth. This association with regeneration and fertility suggests links to the Georgian and Victorian connotations between snakes and “Eternal love”. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

For all you horse lovers out there, a prancing 9ct gold horse with flowing mane and tail. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An unusual 15ct gold tie pin in the form of a shamrock with three carved heart shaped opals with a natural small pearl in the centre and a natural split pearl set stem. It would look great worn on a lapel or a cravat. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A smart tie pin set with a lozenge shaped aquamarine in an 18ct white gold mount that was made in the 1920s. It is very effective when worn on a cravat. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A smart 15ct gold tie pin set with a small rose diamond that was made circa 1880-1900. It has a ball and rope work gold design around the diamond. This style looks great worn on a cravat. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A 15ct gold tie pin with a carved cameo of a lady's head in the Neo Classical style. It is surrounded by 15ct gold in a woven pattern. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A novelty tie pin featuring a pair of spurs. They are 15ct gold with platinum additions that move! It was made circa 1900-1910 and would make a wonderful gift to a horseman. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A stylish and unusual 18ct gold tie pin in Royal blue enamel with a gold overlay in a Gothic design. In the centre is a natural pearl. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An attractive late Georgian tie pin set with a cabochon garnet with a repoussee gold setting around it. It was made circa 1820. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A lovely tie pin that has been set with graded turquoise in a domed design. It was made circa 1900-1910. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A neat tie pin set with a cabochon garnet with a star design in the centre and set with a small split pearl. The garnet is foiled at the back to give it luminescence. The star motif represents the spirit and guidance in life. It was made circa 1880. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A smart tie pin that was made circa 1900-1920. It has been mounted with a pearl. There is a small diamond below. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

This tie pin has lovely connotations. It represents the start of a relationship with the harvest moon. The star means that whoever it is, he is a star! It has been set with graded flat cut garnets and has a safety chain. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An unusual and smart Art Deco tie pin set with four natural pearls interspersed with square cut sapphires and a diamond in the centre. It was made circa 1920 in Austria or Germany. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A great looking and unusual snake tie pin. The snake is well modelled with a friendly look about it. It was made circa 1880. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An unusual tie pin of a carved pear shaped lapis lazuli with an 18ct gold snake with an engraved head coiled around it. Suspended from the snake's mouth is a coral bead. It was made circa 1860-1880 and is a very striking piece of jewellery. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A smart 15ct gold Victorian tie pin that was made circa 1890. It has been set with an old mine cut diamond. It has an interesting design with coiled gold work that contrasts with flat oval pieces. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A really smart tie pin with a plain 9ct ball on a steel stem. It was made circa 1900. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A simple but smart natural pearl attached to a sprig of gold. It was made circa 1910. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An unusual 9ct gold tie pin that was made circa 1800-1820. It is urn shaped with a heart shaped citrine surrounded by blue Vauxhall glass and natural split pearls. It would make a very striking piece to wear! All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An attractive 15ct gold tie pin with a small carved shell cameo of a classical head. It was made circa 1870. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An attractive round 15ct gold tiepin set with a small rose diamond. It was made around 1880 and has applied gold wire work. This is called "Etruscan Revival" as it copied the ancient Etruscan jewellery techniques. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A pretty tie pin with an oval piece of coral surrounded by nine rose diamonds. Coral is traditionally believed to bring you luck and good fortune. It was made circa 1900-1910. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A good looking 15ct gold Victorian tie pin set with a rectangular cut ruby. It was made circa 1880. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A good and unusual 18ct gold model of a female griffin with a rose diamond in her mouth. It was made in France circa 1900-1910. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A lovely circular tie pin that was made circa 1900-1910. It is set with sapphires and diamonds. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A smart 18ct gold tie pin set with an oval banded sardonyx. Around it is a key design in black enamel. On the reverse is a tiny locket section. It was made circa 1880. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An 18ct gold tie pin set with a banded sardonyx. The trick was when carving the onyx bead to get the white band equal all the way round! There are four concentric bands of black enamel around it. This pin was made circa 1880. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An attractive 15ct gold circular tie pin set with small rose diamonds and a natural split pearl. It was made circa 1900-1910. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An attractive gold tie pin set with a cabochon ruby and three oval shaped cabochon opals. It was made circa 1900-1910. Opal is the birthstone for the month of October. It is also the stone given to celebrate the 14th year of marriage. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A 15ct gold tie with a burgee for the Royal Clyde Yacht club. It was founded in 1834 and amalgamated with the Royal Northern Yacht club at a later date. In Yacht clubs members may fly their club's burgee while under way and at anchor, day or night. This is a finely enamelled example that was made circa 1900-1910 and would be ideal for a member today! All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An 18ct gold tie pin with a crescent motif set with graded rose diamonds. The crescent moon represented a new relationship and the hope it would “wax” into matrimony. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An interesting silver tie pin of a cherub holding a pearl. It was made circa 1880-1900 possibly in France. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An unusual Baroque pearl tiepin that looks like a female torso! Baroque is the common term used to describe pearls that are not round as they are asymmetrical and their surface is dented and uneven. These pearls were greatly used in Victorian and Art Nouveau pieces as with this example. There is a small rose diamond for the tummy button. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A beautifully modelled 18ct gold tie pin of a coiled serpent or snake. It is set in the middle with a natural pearl. Historically, serpents and snakes represent fertility. Snakes shed their skin so they are symbols of rebirth, transformation, immortality, and healing. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A smart tie pin set with a quarter of a carat diamond. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An interesting natural baroque pearl mounted simply on to a pin. The term baroque means that it is an irregular pearl. This pearl was mounted on the pin circa 1900-1910. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An unusual 18ct gold tie pin with a coiled snake around a conical natural pearl. This literally means "Eternal Devotion" so it would be an ideal gift to a husband to be! All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

A finely made and smart 15ct gold tie pin. It has granular decoration that has been applied by hand. It was made circa 1860-1880 when this Etruscan Revival design was in fashion. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}

An unusual "Novelty" 15ct gold tie pin with an enamelled frog. It was made circa 1900-1910. All our tie pins come with a stopper at the end of the pin.}