Enchanting antique micro-mosaic pendant in a simple frame made of gold-plated 925 silver (stamped and guaranteed).
The oval pendant features a pretty polychrome micro mosaic depicting a lush bouquet of flowers. The detailed flowers and leaves of the mosaic are designed in many perfectly coordinated shades of colour and applied to a turquoise glass flux background, which provides a fitting frame for the beautiful motif.
The large pendant loop allows chains of different thicknesses to be attached. The micro mosaic was created around 1890, and the simple gold-plated silver frame was added in the mid-20th century.
Micro mosaics, which originated in ancient times, were produced in Rome in the mid-16th century in the Vatican studios for St. Peter's Basilica. Their special feature was the sophisticated technique that produced a particularly wide range of colours: different glass colours were fused at 800 degrees 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 there 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 were visiting the historical sites of Europe as part of the Grand Tour.
The mosaic on this pendant was created around 1890, and the frame was added in the 20th century. Overall, this piece of jewellery captivates with its artistic and individual charm.
Dimensions of the pendant (with eyelet): 3.4 x 2.8 cm.
Dimensions of the micro mosaic: ca. 2.5 x 2.2 cm.
Weight: 8.4 grams.
Condition: Very good historical condition, tiny irregularity at the upper edge of the mosaic, freshly cleaned, see photos.
The pendant comes 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.
