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.
The antique micro-mosaic element on this ring most likely began as a brooch, or possible was always unset. Often, Englishmen would purchase the tiny artworks with the intention of having them set back home. It depicts a wonderful basket of bright flowers, intricately assembled and beautifully color-coordinated. Alas, some of the tessarae are missing-but that adds to the ancient feel of the piece! We have set it in a marvelous 18 karat yellow gold shank that evokes the architectural grandness of Rome while keeping purchase in today's world. Totally wearable and utterly charming, it will be a treasured part of your collection!
.Details (approximate)
Size (can be resized): 7
Weight: 7.67 grams
Materials: Gold, Tesserae
Metal: 18K yellow gold
Marks: None
Condition: Good converted Antique condition commensurate with age and wear. Some tiles missing from micro-mosaic.