Antique Italian micro-mosaic pendant with Venice motif, crafted from gold-plated tombac, with a 333/8 Kt gold chain (stamped and guaranteed).
An oval pendant hangs from an anchor chain, with a shiny black onyx disc set in a gold-plated bezel. Inside is a fine polychrome micro mosaic depicting a view of Venice with a section of the famous Grand Canal.
Micro mosaics, which originated in ancient times, were produced in Rome in the mid-16th century in the Vatican workshops for St. Peter's Basilica. Their special feature was the sophisticated technique that produced a particularly wide range of colours: at 800 degrees, different glass colours were fused together so that several shades of colour were retained in a single stone. This created effects that would have been impossible with conventional mosaic techniques.
When orders began to decline, the elaborate technique was also used for jewellery and small decorative objects. Wearing and giving micro mosaic jewellery as gifts then became popular among wealthy travellers to Italy who visited the historical sites of Europe as part of the Grand Tour.
This pretty pendant was made in Italy around 1880 and is a charming piece of jewellery with a history, as well as a testament to fine craftsmanship.
Length of the chain: 41.5 cm.
Dimensions of the pendant (incl. eyelet): 4.6 x 3.0 cm.
Dimensions of the onyx disc: 3.5 x 2.7 cm.
Dimensions of the mosaic: 2.7 x 2.1 cm.
Weight: 12.7 grams in total.
Condition: Beautiful historical condition, freshly cleaned, see photos.
You will receive the pendant with chain lovingly packaged in one of our pretty cases and with a certificate of authenticity.
Please note: Vintage and antique jewellery are worn items that may show slight signs of wear due to their history.
