150
150
Antique micromosaic earrings
Antique micromosaic earrings
Of floral details framing a bird in flight, 1870s
Yellow gold
7/8 x 2 1/2 ins; Gross weight 9.2 dwts
estimate: $1,000–1,500
result: $3,750
Popular in 19th Century Italy, micromosaics were constructed from small pieces of tesserae, typically made from glass or enamel. One method of creation involved melting the glass, pulling it to thin rods, allowing it to cool, then cutting it into tiny pieces arranged in a portrait, scene, or landscape. This pair of earrings on black background exemplify the technique used in revivalist jewelry.
