Antique Silver Pietra Dura Pendant Brooch c. 1870

This lovely brooch/pendant features a central "pietra dura" floral images set in silver with gold overlay. Pietra dura, or "hard stone", is a technique of inlaying polished colored stones into intricate images, originating in Renaissance Florence under the Medici. It experienced a revival in the nineteenth century when Italian workshops produced small panels and jewelry for Grand Tour travelers. Victorian tourists, especially British aristocrats, purchased pietra dura brooches, pendants, and bracelets as fashionable souvenirs of Italy. Today, pietra dura Victorian tour jewelry is prized by collectors for its artistry and historical connection to European travel culture.

CONDITION NOTES:
The brooch has a c-clasp and an optional pendant bail. It is hallmarked with a boar's head on the clasp for 800 minimum silver purity. It latches securely but do be careful as there was no safety catch on these early brooches. There is tarnish to the silver from age and use, but nothing to affect beauty or stability of the bracelet.

Period: Late Victorian c. 1870
Material: Vermeil (800 silver and gold fill), stone
Weight: 18.25 g
Size: 2" x 1.7" or 5.2 x 4.4 cm

All items in the shop are shipped with tracking and insurance within 48 hours of receiving an order. Items over 250 euros are shipped via Colissimo Express so that your item is in your hands as quickly as possible.

Please check all photos, descriptions, and measurements thoroughly. Contact me if you have any questions and I'll be happy to answer.