Micro Mosaic Brooch 18K Gold Doves of Pliny Pin, Italy, Grand Tour Souvenir

This is a beautiful Italian micro mosaic brooch with an 18K solid gold setting. It features Doves of Pliny in the tiniest handmade glass tiles. The original tube hinge and replacement c clasp are in working order. Minimal to no missing tesserae (tiny hand made pieces of glass tiles). The blue glass has scratches on the back and a tiny chip under the tail of the white dove. Overall good condition. The bezel tests at least 18k gold. Roughly 23 mm x 19 mm. Please zoom and examine all photos for detail and condition. A little more on this subject: The Capitoline Doves. These doves, known as the Capitoline Doves or Doves of Pliny, appear frequently as the subject of micro mosaics. The image comes from a Roman floor mosaic discovered in 1737 at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli, which in turn is believed to be a copy of a lost ancient Greek mosaic at Pergamon.

A brief history of micro mosaic jewelry: 

Micro mosaic jewelry became popular during the European Grand Tour period (17th-19th Century). Members of wealthy families would travel around Europe taking in the sights and cultures of several 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, birds and architecture were a very popular subjects. Each piece of tesserae (little hand-pulled glass tiles) was hand cut by the artist and painstakingly set in place. No two micro mosaic pieces are the same. You are buying a little piece of history that is truly a one of a kind.

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