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Antique Micro Mosaic 18K Pendant and Brooch, c. 1880
About the Item
Antique micro mosaic 18K yellow gold pendant and brooch, c. 1880. This is a superb example of a fine micro mosaic done in the 19th century. The ornate composition centers swan in movement on a lake bordered by foliage. Slightly lower is a neo classic dove of peace alighting on a branch with flowers.
The top pendant portion can be easily removed, so the piece can be worn as a brooch. On the verso is a hair receiver with glass perfect today for a small photograph. The piece is in fine condition with the original pinstem and catch. It is 18K and has been acid tested to confirm this gold content of 750. There is the French mark of the owl indicating that it was imported into France There are two other marks which are difficult to discern.
The length is 2.5 inches. Note, the contemporary gold chain from which the piece is suspended is for photography only and is not included in this sale.
A micro-mosaic is a picture or pattern produced by arranging together small colored pieces called tesserae. These were different types of hard stones, tile or glass.
Micro-mosaics as a jewelry art form did not exist before approximately 1775. The use of colored glass and colored hard stone tesserae as the constituent parts of this artistry was basically an adjunct to the decoration of architectural elements as for example in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome which has 10,000 square meters of micro-mosaic.
The same artists that filled the orders of architects were the first to develop, around 1800, miniature versions that required less time and for which these artists could charge more because, at this time, Rome became a living laboratory of classic treasures and attracted people who were not only part of the fine things trade, but also tourists. The experience was called the Grand Tour, and some of this more portable work was exceptional quality.
Today, a preponderance of jewelry is machine made in large factories around the world with abundant and obvious suspicions as to its enduring qualities using not only inferior stones, but also man made stones and treated stones utilizing artificial substances.
Alternatively, this micro mosaic in fine condition, is a wonderful antique piece, rarely encountered.
All items sold are accompanied by a detailed Statement of Value by our gemologist, as well as all original gemological documentation, if specified in the listing. As always, we guarantee all pieces to be exactly as represented. Each piece of jewelry arrives in a gift-wrapped fine presentation box.
Over the decades of our stewardship as a small but exemplary purveyor of the jeweler's art, we have strived to offer a fine and authentic selection, in excellent condition, of collectible jewels from all highly sought time periods at competitive prices. In the process, we have had the extraordinary good fortune of meeting remarkable people - some collectors, others just extremely interesting individuals who have taken the time and effort to examine their lives and select things that tend to make them smile, or admire, or just wonder at the exciting endlessly creative and nuanced panoply of jeweled artifacts.
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- Date of Manufacture:1880
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Aspen, CO
- Reference Number:
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Established in 1979
1stDibs seller since 2011
636 sales on 1stDibs
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Aspen, CO
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
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