This exquisite Antique Victorian c1850 bar brooch / pin in 9K gold features a delicate micro mosaic depicting an elegant white swan on water against a red and green background with geometric “celtic” patterns. It is in excellent condition, with no missing tesserae. The C-clasp on the back is fully functional. The setting tests as 9K gold (acid test), however does appear to have a “vermeil” / gold washed finish. Victorian Micro Mosaic brooches / pins were hugely popular in the mid 1800s, acquired in Italy as luxury “souvenirs” by travelers on the “Grand Tour” of Europe. Such pieces often depict scenes of the Colosseum, Forum and other Roman ruins (as they were at the time), St. Peter’s Square and so forth. Today, high quality micro mosaics are highly collectible, and are becoming rarer to find. The quality of the materials and workmanship of micro mosaics varied widely. This one features high quality workmanship and is in excellent condition – a collector’s dream! The swan design is very unusual. The brooch weighs 11.2 grams and measures 65.5mm (L) x 13.4mm (W) x 4.8mm (depth excluding clasp). The brooch is is overall excellent antique condition, with light tarnishing / patina and very light surface wear consistent with age. As noted, above, the mosaic is complete and the original clasp is functional. A superb original, museum quality, beautifully rendered micro mosaic with an unusual swam design. The writing on back “R120-” appears to be written in black marker (can be easily removed – I do not like to clean antique pieces). Please see photos for more details. The item “Rare Antique Victorian c1850 Italian Micro Mosaic Bar Brooch 9K Gold, Swan, 11g” is in sale since Thursday, July 20, 2017. This item is in the category “Jewelry & Watches\Vintage & Antique Jewelry\Fine\Victorian, Edwardian 1837-1910\Pins, Brooches”. The seller is “huntlym” and is located in Santa Monica, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Metal: Yellow Gold
- Metal Purity: 9k
- Material: Mixed Materials
- Country/Region of Manufacture: Italy