Antique Italian Micro Mosaic Gold Brooch
14k yellow gold, glass tesserae
Ø 4.0 cm (approx. 1 9/16")
Weight approx. 18.5 grams
Marks: ‘585’ for 14k gold
Italy, ca. 1860s
In original case
A micro mosaic of a flower still life in fine detail and subtle colouring, mounted in a slighty domed 14k gold frame adorned with corded gold wires, the brooch is a typical example of the historicising style of the 19th century, probably manufactured by a Vatican workshop in Rome around 1860.
The back – possibly later transformed from a strand of hair containing locket into a closed back – is marked ‘585’ for 14k gold.