Rare Antique Victorian c1840 Italian Micro Mosaic Brooch with Vatican City Scene

  

This rare and stunning large Antique Victorian c1840 oval brooch / pin in 925 sterling silver features a delicate micro mosaic depicting St Peters Square, Vatican City with Obelisk in middle ground. It is in excellent condition, with no missing tesserae. The micro mosaic is set into a patterned green glass border and a sterling silver setting (with finely detailed twisted rope design). The clasp on the back is in good working order. The silver is unmarked but has been tested.

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.

Peters 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 brooch weighs 21.3 grams and measures 46.6mm (L) x 38 (W) x 8mm (depth excluding clasp).

The brooch is is overall excellent antique condition, with light patina and surface wear consistent with age. Small bend bottom center of frame.

Please see photos for more details. The item "Rare Antique Victorian c1840 Italian Micro Mosaic Brooch with Vatican City Scene" is in sale since Monday, July 10, 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.

1. Metal: Sterling Silver
2. Material: Mixed Materials
3. Country/Region of Manufacture: Italy