I've got a Vintage Italian .925/gold vermeil Handmade Micro Mosaic Floral Motif Cross Pendant, 1 1/4"H x 3/4"W x 1/4"D on an 18" gold chain. Marked .925 ... Pendant and chain are in EXCELLENT MECHANICAL AND COSMETIC CONDITION from an owner and home with NO SMOKING/NO PETS.
Micro mosaic jewelry is a type of wearable art made from tiny pieces of colored glass or enamel, called tesserae, that are meticulously arranged to create a detailed image or pattern. This art form originated in ancient Rome but was perfected in Italy in the late 18th century, particularly in Rome and Florence. The pieces are often so small that from a distance, they can be mistaken for a painting.
Key characteristics of micro mosaic jewelry:
Tiny Tesserae: The individual glass pieces are often smaller than a millimeter, allowing for a high level of detail.
Handmade: Each piece is handcrafted, making no two pieces exactly the same.
Themes: Common themes include religious motifs, floral arrangements, animals, and Italian landmarks.
History: Micro mosaics became popular as souvenirs for wealthy tourists on the "Grand Tour" of Europe, with vintage pieces generally dating from the 1920s to the 1970s.