Brooch
Jewellery
Inventory number
2019.1.9.11.JW.BC.C1860.ITDescription
Pietra Dura brooch with floral inlay on matte black marble background. It features a Florentine mosaic with two pink and white roses, lily of the valley blossoms and a forget-me-not made of onyx, white marble, turquoise, and serpentine stones. Pinchbeck and brass mounted.Pietra Dura features hard stones shaped and fitted together closely, almost like a jigsaw puzzle. It first appeared in Rome in the 16th century, reaching its full maturity in Florence. The technique dates to ancient times, but before pietra dura was used in jewellery, it was used for floors, ceilings, decorations on tables, etc. During the Etruscan revival and Pompeii discovery period of the 1860's and 1870's when tombs were excavated, marvelous floors and ceilings were revealed and the look was translated into jewellery, boxes and other portable items to take home from the Grand Tour.
Materials
BrassPinchbeck
Marble
Onyx
Turquoise
Serpentine
Origin
circa 1860 Florence, ItalyDimensions
Length : 2.5 cmHeight : 3 cm