19th Century Italian Micro Mosaic Brooch in the shape of a Heart - Roses and Forget-me-knots Pin

This is a little love token, an antique brooch in the shape of a heart. Two pink roses and some Forget-me-knots are within a tiny heart to the centre. This super brooch dates from the English Victorian period but it is most likely Italian in origin.  This kind of micro mosaic jewellery has been hand made in Italy since Roman times with it becoming souvenir jewellery during the last 200 years. This antique micro mosaic brooch is around 120 years old.   Using a palette of pastel coloured glass tiles or 'tessarae' the heart has floral work and traditional florentine panels to make up the design -  The work on this brooch is particularly fine. The metal has a gold washed finish with Etruscan style ball decoration around the outer edge.  This delightful antique brooch fastens with an old fashioned 'c' type clasp and long pin.  In excellent condition this brooch measures just over 2cms at its widest points in either direction - the one pound coin gives you a better idea of the size and scale. Colours in the design are white, turquoise blue, pink, blue, yellow, black and green. 

JEWELLERY DETAILS

Designer or Brand: None

Country of Origin: Italy

Condition: Excellent

Decade: 1890s

Style: Romantic

Gift: Valentine's Day, Birthday, Anniversary

Shape: Heart

Era: Antique (1850s - 1900)

Type: Brooch - Micro Mosaic Brooch

Material: Gilt  Metal and Glass