Brooch - 8 kt. Silver, Rose gold - Turquoise
07
days
06
hours
35
minutes
32
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Laura Trevino
She has 15 years' auction experience, specialising in vintage jewellery from 1920 to 2000.
Estimate € 500 - € 550
No bids placed
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This 19th-century French portrait brooch and pendant has a silver setting with 8-carat rose-gold accents, turquoise surround stones and a floral Florentine mosaic, and comes without a laboratory report.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Rare Victorian era portrait-brooch and pendant – Florentine work in silver and gold – 19th century
Wonderful and refined portrait-brooch, also usable as a pendant, dating to the mid-19th century (roughly 1850–1870), a magnificent example of Italian jewelry art of the 19th century.
The piece features at the center a splendid Florentine mosaic, also known as Florentine mosaic or pietre dure, depicting a delicate floral composition on a black background. Roses, small blue flowers, white petals and multicolored leaves are created by juxtaposing tiny meticulously cut stone elements, using a technique of extraordinary precision and refinement.
The mosaic is preserved in perfect condition, with vivid colors and legible details.
The mount is made of silver with gold highlights of low karat, while the rear pin is in low-karat gold. The frame is enriched with refined filigree elements and ornamental motifs on the top and bottom, as well as a series of small metal beads along the sides.
Particularly interesting is the presence of a small Bé l i è re (suspension ring), specifically designed to allow the jewel to be used also as a pendant. This element allowed it to be inserted into the rings of a chain or mounted as a central element between two strands of pearls, following a fashion particularly widespread in 19th-century jewelry. A refined solution that testifies to the versatility and the sophistication of the craftsmanship.
The jewel also presents a third function, that of a portrait holder: on the back there is a small compartment intended to hold a photograph or a miniature portrait, protected by the original bevelled glass, complete with its frame and the small silver setting.
This type of jewelry, especially appreciated during the 19th century, combines the tradition of Florentine mosaic with the sentimental and commemorative function of portrait jewelry, often destined to preserve the image of a loved one.
Jewelry of this type is documented in numerous publications dedicated to the history of jewelry and 19th-century goldsmithing, as illustrated also in the photos attached to the listing.
The brooch has been gently cleaned, without removing the original patina of time, preserving its historical character and authenticity.
Measurements: 5.2 x 3.9 cm
Conditions: excellent considering the age. Mosaic perfectly preserved, original glass and complete setting. Minor time-related traces on the metal surface, compatible with the jewel’s age.
A rare and fascinating collectible, testimony to the excellence of Italian artistic craftsmanship of the 19th century, combining mosaic art, goldsmithing, and costume history.
The photographs are an integral part of the description and accurately document the condition and craftsmanship details.
FREE SHIPPING EXCLUSIVELY IN EUROPE WITH UPS, TRACKED.
Rare Victorian era portrait-brooch and pendant – Florentine work in silver and gold – 19th century
Wonderful and refined portrait-brooch, also usable as a pendant, dating to the mid-19th century (roughly 1850–1870), a magnificent example of Italian jewelry art of the 19th century.
The piece features at the center a splendid Florentine mosaic, also known as Florentine mosaic or pietre dure, depicting a delicate floral composition on a black background. Roses, small blue flowers, white petals and multicolored leaves are created by juxtaposing tiny meticulously cut stone elements, using a technique of extraordinary precision and refinement.
The mosaic is preserved in perfect condition, with vivid colors and legible details.
The mount is made of silver with gold highlights of low karat, while the rear pin is in low-karat gold. The frame is enriched with refined filigree elements and ornamental motifs on the top and bottom, as well as a series of small metal beads along the sides.
Particularly interesting is the presence of a small Bé l i è re (suspension ring), specifically designed to allow the jewel to be used also as a pendant. This element allowed it to be inserted into the rings of a chain or mounted as a central element between two strands of pearls, following a fashion particularly widespread in 19th-century jewelry. A refined solution that testifies to the versatility and the sophistication of the craftsmanship.
The jewel also presents a third function, that of a portrait holder: on the back there is a small compartment intended to hold a photograph or a miniature portrait, protected by the original bevelled glass, complete with its frame and the small silver setting.
This type of jewelry, especially appreciated during the 19th century, combines the tradition of Florentine mosaic with the sentimental and commemorative function of portrait jewelry, often destined to preserve the image of a loved one.
Jewelry of this type is documented in numerous publications dedicated to the history of jewelry and 19th-century goldsmithing, as illustrated also in the photos attached to the listing.
The brooch has been gently cleaned, without removing the original patina of time, preserving its historical character and authenticity.
Measurements: 5.2 x 3.9 cm
Conditions: excellent considering the age. Mosaic perfectly preserved, original glass and complete setting. Minor time-related traces on the metal surface, compatible with the jewel’s age.
A rare and fascinating collectible, testimony to the excellence of Italian artistic craftsmanship of the 19th century, combining mosaic art, goldsmithing, and costume history.
The photographs are an integral part of the description and accurately document the condition and craftsmanship details.
FREE SHIPPING EXCLUSIVELY IN EUROPE WITH UPS, TRACKED.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Laboratory report
No laboratory report
Style
Napoleon III
Estimated period
1800-1850
Metal
Rose gold, Silver
Brand jewellery
No
Fineness
8 kt.
Total weight
22 g
Surrounding stones
Turquoise
Condition
Excellent condition - barely used with minimal signs of wear
Gender
Women
Country of origin
France
Width
5.2 cm
Sold by
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Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every object in line with our submission guidelines. While we strive to provide a detailed description and photographs of each jewellery object, discrepancies or inaccuracies may occur. It is your responsibility to review all of the information provided about an object, including the condition and description, before placing an order. Sellers are responsible for the information, pictures and description provided, including the quality, quantity and nature of the jewelry supplied. A small imperfection that cannot be seen in the photo but is included in the description is not a non-conformity. A Lab Report is not a guarantee, valuation or appraisal regarding the articles described therein. A Lab Report contains only the characteristics of an article described after it has been graded, tested, examined, and analyzed using the techniques and equipment used at the time of the examination from that specific Lab. The results of any other examination performed on the article may differ depending when, how, by whom and with which grading standard the article is examined. In addition, any changes and improvements in techniques and equipment that may have occurred which may enable the examiner to detect, among other things, the use of processes for altering the characteristics of an article which use was previously undetectable, does not automatically mean the object does not conform to its description.
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every object in line with our submission guidelines. While we strive to provide a detailed description and photographs of each jewellery object, discrepancies or inaccuracies may occur. It is your responsibility to review all of the information provided about an object, including the condition and description, before placing an order. Sellers are responsible for the information, pictures and description provided, including the quality, quantity and nature of the jewelry supplied. A small imperfection that cannot be seen in the photo but is included in the description is not a non-conformity. A Lab Report is not a guarantee, valuation or appraisal regarding the articles described therein. A Lab Report contains only the characteristics of an article described after it has been graded, tested, examined, and analyzed using the techniques and equipment used at the time of the examination from that specific Lab. The results of any other examination performed on the article may differ depending when, how, by whom and with which grading standard the article is examined. In addition, any changes and improvements in techniques and equipment that may have occurred which may enable the examiner to detect, among other things, the use of processes for altering the characteristics of an article which use was previously undetectable, does not automatically mean the object does not conform to its description.
