Antique Victorian 14K Gold Micro Mosaic Pendant Brooch The Doves of Pliny Italian Grand Tour C.1900

Attention International buyers:
Please contact us regarding the shipping 
before committing to the purchase.

Rare museum quality Italian Grand Tour Era
The doves of Pliny Micro mosaic 14K gold pendant brooch
C.1900.
The doves of Pliny (or “Pliny’s doves”) is a mosaic created by Sosos of Perguma
(present-day Turkey) and described by Pliny in his The Natural History, 1st century AD.

The micro mosaic crafted with great care with smallest tesserae,
cut into cobalt blue glass plaque.
The latter mounted into open back bezel
with Etruscan revival embellishment.
The pendant is 40 mm high, 32 mm wide.

It has retractable hinged bail
and secure C clasp stamped 14K.
Total weight is 35 grams.

Excellent antique condition commensurate with age.
The plaque has a few smallest manufacturing imperfections on the surface.

Antique jewelry box shown for display only.

The term Grand Tour refers to 17th through 19th century custom of a trip by young people to Europe, especially to Italy.
While being in Rome, Naples, Herculaneum, Pompeii and other famous cities
they visited ancient artifacts and ladies were buying traditional jewelry from local jewelers.
One of the jewelry making techniques was micro mosaic which had been known since Roman times and still very popular.
Tiny pieces of specially prepared glass (tesserae) were set in cut out areas of black onyx or glass.
Micro mosaic items stayed in good shape for many years and still fascinate imagination.
Presented pendant is a good example of micro mosaic jewelry.

We accept reasonable offers.