The Grand Tour was a rite of passage starting in the late 17th Century. It continued for about 300 years, tapering off into obscurity around the turn of the 20th Century. A typical "Grand Tourist" would be an educated and wealthy Englishman, German, Scandinavian, or American. The trip was a method of architectural, cultural and social study. The itinerary could vary, but usually a Tour started in France and ended in Italy. It was common to collect various art, jewelry, and souvenirs to commemorate the trip. These items were usually sent home for loved ones, kept as mementos, or formed the basis of new life-long collections for the men who took the trip.
The term "micro mosaic" was coined by wealthy 20th-century collector Sir Arthur Gilbert in reference to Roman mosaics composed of little glass bricks called tessarae. These were sold as fine jewelry to Victorian ladies in the early and mid-19th century, when the tourism trade was at a peak in Rome.
With a black background of tesserae tiles, a pair of pink breasted white doves admire each other for eternity! The compact brooch also has two bales on the gold filled frame, if you'd like to wear it on a chain or ribbon. A sweetly dramatic little trinket, perfect for all you true Romantics out there!
Circa Mid-Nineteenth Century
Details (approximate)
Dimensions: 2"
Weight: 11.3 grams
Materials: Gold filled metal, Tesserae (glass tiles)
Marks: None
Condition: Excellent Antique condition commensurate with age and wear