Questions & Answers
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What is mosaic jewelry called?
1 Answer
“Mosaic jewelry” likely refers to a type of adornment called micromosaic jewelry. This art form, micromosaics, is the miniaturized offspring of a type of decoration used to embellish buildings as far back as 2500 BC. During the late 18th century and much of the 19th century, travel to continental Europe, especially Italy, was the capstone of one’s cultural education and conferred social status (the travelers were typically English men, and this is referred to as the era of the Grand Tours). Often accompanied by retinues of retainers on journeys lasting months or years, the elite travelers required artful personal mementos befitting the experience. Tourists resided near Rome’s Spanish Steps, and vendors sold small ready-made compositions and took commissions for custom works. After making a purchase, patrons took their mini masterpieces, which were rarely not more than two inches wide and composed of enameled-glass tesserae, to jewelers or artists to have them set in jewelry. Find a selection of micromosaic jewelry on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023
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Shop for Mosaic Brooches on 1stDibs
Estate Elizabeth Locke Micro Mosaic Brooch/Pendant
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in Derby, NY
Estate Elizabeth Locke Micro Mosaic Brooch/Pendant
This expertly crafted vintage Elizabeth Locke
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Retro Brooches
Materials
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
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Antique 14 Karat Gold Micro-Mosaic Brooch, 19th Century
Located in The Hague, ZH
An unique old 19th century micro mosaic brooch mounted in 14k yellow gold.
Flowers and leaves, on
Category
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches
Materials
Gold
Boxed 19th Century Micro Mosaic Brooch
Located in Brisbane, QLD
A late 19th century, Italian micro mosaic brooch in its original box with original price label to
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Brooches
Materials
18k Gold
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Antique 18 Carat Yellow Gold Micro Mosaic Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 18 carat yellow gold micro mosaic brooch - boxed; part of our
Category
Antique 19th Century Unknown Brooches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Free Shipping
Antique Micro Mosaic Brooch Vatican 18 Karat Halo Eagle Holding a Ring
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This exquisite micro mosaic brooch was made in a Vatican goldsmith workshop. The unusual subject
Category
Antique 1860s Victorian Brooches
Materials
18k Gold
Antique Victorian 15ct gold Pietra Dura Floral Mosaic Brooch
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Victorian 15ct gold Pietra Dura Floral Mosaic Brooch
Circa 1880
A superb example of a
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Brooches
Materials
Gold, 15k Gold