For your consideration are these beautiful flower micro mosaic pearl cluster earrings. The mosaic bezel is 800 silver, dating them to the 1800s and in excellent condition. I have added dozens of tiny fresh water pearls to create a graduated cluster. The lever-back ear hooks, wire, bead caps are all 14 karat gold filled. The earrings are 2 7/16" in length. The mosaic is 9/16" diameter. There are no missing tesserae in the mosaics (the tiny hand made glass tile pieces). Each piece of tesserae was hand cut by the artist and set in place with tweezers. No two micro mosaic pieces are exactly the same. You are buying a little piece of history that is truly a one of a kind! *Penny for scale only.
A brief history of micro mosaic jewelry:
Wearing micro mosaic jewelry became popular during the Grand Tour period (17th - 19th Century). Members of rich European families would travel around Europe, taking in the sights and cultures of different countries. Italy was a very popular tourist spot as it had a long and prestigious history in arts and culture - a favorite subject in aristocratic circles. It was also a famous glass producer, and Italian craftsmen quickly turned their glass making skills to making stunning miniature micro mosaic pictures for their rich visitors. Flowers were a very popular subject.