About the Item

Indulge in a museum quality signed Giocondo Torrini Pietra Dura Brooch Pin in 14 Karat Gold with inlaid semi-precious stones creating a mosaic image of flowers, including a gorgeous rose, lilies and lily of the valley and with the Torrini signature scrolling leaf border. The brooch is signed on the reverse "G. Torrini No6 Lungarno Nuovo." Torrini is the undisputed Italian master of Pietra Dura and his original works are museum quality jewels included in the jewelry collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London as well as the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). The brooch is a masterpiece of Pietra Dura work. The Torrini border is a magnificent applied border with a leaf and scroll design. The vivid flowers in varying shades of white, and the elegant detailed leaves against the black onyx background are stunning. I love the delicate and refined use of the various colors of white gems to create the flowers. The magnificent work has a fully three dimensional effect that is extraordinary. Pietra Dura jewels were popular souvenirs from Italy for tourists on the Grand Tour. This example is set in one of the most gorgeous Etruscan Revival settings in 14 Karat Gold we have seen. The beautiful hand applied leaf and scroll form of the three dimensional gold surround is extremely fine and exhibits the hallmarks of classic Etruscan Revival design. The Torrini flower brooch dates to the Victorian period, circa 1850 - 1870. If desired the brooch can be easily converted to a pendant. GIOCONDO TORRINI This is a rare opportunity to own a museum quality piece of jewelry. Giocondo Torrini was born in 1827. Giocondo Torrini had a shop at Number 6 Lungarno Nuovo. Using his skill, combined with a rare capacity as a trader, he attained international fame by presenting himself at the European World’s Fairs, and obtained great success with the public. The European World's Fairs of the second half of the 19th century placed Torrini in direct confrontation with the French and English fashions. He promptly assimilated the aesthetic messages, the cultural references, and the new stimuli of renewal which were being codified in the decorative arts. His activity is documented by means of numerous honourable mentions and and awards, traced in the catalogues of the Fairs and Exhibitions, and the existence of several jewels such as the elegant set, preserved at the British Museum in London, consisting of a brooch and earrings with mosaic plaques depicting Pliny's doves. The TORRINI brooch is from one of the finest museum quality collections of Pietra Dura and Cameo Jewelry every assembled. We have included a photograph of some of the pieces that we currently have available from this collection. Please inquire if a piece is of interest. "Pietra dura" is a mosaic technique that flourished in Florence, Italy in the 16th-19th centuries. Extraordinarily skilled artisans worked with colorful semi-precious stones. Small mosaic details were carefully cut and inlaid into the base which was typically marble or onyx. “Pietra dura” mosaics are so finely done that they look like paintings, with flowers, birds, fruits and insects as popular motifs. Pietra Dura jewels are highly collected today. They are jewels of wearable art, each piece created individually by an artist. They are treasures to be worn and passed down for generations. This signed piece is a masterpiece. The brooch is 1 7/8 inches (48mm) in diameter. The brooch is 14 Karat Gold. The brooch weighs 19.5 grams. The brooch is signed "G. Torrini No6 Lungarno Nuovo."

Creator:
Giocondo Torrini
Metal:
Gold,14k Gold,Yellow Gold
Stone:
Onyx
Stone Cut:
Portrait Cut
Weight:
19.5 g
Dimensions:
Height: 1.9 in (48.26 mm)Width: 1.9 in (48.26 mm)
Style:
Etruscan Revival
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1850 - 1870
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1476225255422

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