Tiny pieces of glass — tesserae — individually placed to form miniature flowers in purple, red, and white, bordered in orange, white, black, and yellow. This is Italian micro mosaic work, a tradition that dates to the late eighteenth century and reached its peak as tourist souvenirs in Rome and Naples. It's a highly detailed piece that rewards a close look; the colors are vivid and the scale is remarkable. The brass backing is marked "Made in Italy." A chain is included — not valuable, but it lets you wear it immediately.
The back suggests this may have started life as a trombone-clasp brooch and been converted to hang as a pendant — a common alteration, and a practical one. A couple of the flowers on one end have sunken very slightly over time; photographed clearly.
A beautiful gift for an Italy lover, a mosaic enthusiast, a vintage jewelry collector, or anyone who appreciates extraordinary small-scale craft.
Condition: Very good vintage condition; very slight sinking on a couple of flowers at one end, light surface scratches on back metal — photographed for review. All sales final — please review all photos.
