A delicate antique micro-mosaic pendant featuring a polychrome bouquet of flowers, crafted from gold-plated 925 sterling silver (hallmarked and guaranteed).
The oblong pendant is adorned with a beautiful, delicate micro-mosaic depicting an elaborate bouquet of flowers. The realistically crafted roses, morning glories and pansies are rendered in a multitude of perfectly coordinated shades and set into a black onyx disc. This is mounted in a simple setting of gold-plated sterling silver, which was added at a later date.
The large pendant loop allows chains of various thicknesses to be attached.
Micro-mosaics, which date back to antiquity, were produced in particular in Rome in the mid-16th century in the Vatican workshops for St Peter’s Basilica. Their distinctive feature lay in the sophisticated technique, which produced a particularly wide range of colour tones: different coloured glasses were fused at 800 degrees, so that several shades of colour were preserved within a single small stone. This produced effects that would have been impossible with conventional mosaic techniques.
When the volume of commissions there began to decline, the elaborate technique was also applied to jewellery and small decorative objects. Wearing and giving micro-mosaic jewellery as gifts consequently became popular amongst affluent travellers to Italy who undertook the Grand Tour to visit Europe’s historic sites.
The mosaic on this pendant was created around 1890, whilst the setting was added in the 20th century. This stunningly beautiful pendant is a particularly artistic example of the centuries-old technique of micromosaic and a very special piece of jewellery suitable for many occasions.
Dimensions of the pendant (including the eyelet): 4.8 x 4.5 cm.
Dimensions of the onyx setting: ca. 4.1 x 3.2 cm.
Weight: 14.4 grams.
Condition: Very fine historical condition, all mosaic pieces (tesserae) present, onyx with minor scratches, freshly cleaned, see photos.
You will receive the pendant lovingly packaged in one of our pretty cases, along with a certificate of authenticity. Please note: Vintage and antique jewellery are pre-owned items which, due to their history, may show slight signs of wear.
