Presented for your consideration, an exquisite vintage 18K solid rose-tone gold brooch or stick pin (professionally acid tested for its gold content) decorated with an oval shaped Onyx stone in which there is an exquisite Italian micromosaic inlayed, representing an ancient temple, probably The Temple of Hephaestus in Athens (also known as Thissio, hence the namesake neighborhood that houses it) is among the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece. It was dedicated to Hephaestus, the Olympian god of fire, and Athena, the Olympian goddess of wisdom, strategy and crafts.
The 18K gold mounting is masterfully decorated with a beautiful Etruscan-inspired pattern which is delicately housing the onyx stone.
The highest quality micromosaic is made of extremely tiny tiles, paying thorough attention to the detail. It is surrounded by green color Malachite stone over the oval shaped Onyx stone.
The stick pin comes in a vintage/antique purple or burgundy color jewellery box (see pictures, please).
Please refer to the detailed pictures, they speak by themselves :)
TOTAL WEIGHT : 6.60grMEASURES: 84mm high. The top piece containing the micromosaic measures
21 X 24.50mm.
ESTIMATED AGE: circa 1920
GENERAL CONDITION: very good+ general condition. Please refer to the detailed pictures.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
The pioneers of this wonderful art were both Greeks and Romans. Italians began creating micromosaics in the Renaissance and gained great popularity in the mid-19th century, when the center of production was the beautiful and immortal Rome.
The micromosaics were applied to different objects such as pieces of jewelry. Favorite scenes to stage include Roman landscapes, religious and mythological themes, flowers, animals, and exterior scenes or scenes inspired by works of pictorial art. The smaller mosaics come from works from the period between the end of the 18th century and the end of the 19th century. The beauty and quality of the micromosaic depended exclusively on the artistic skill of the craftsman as well as his inspiration and aesthetic criteria. Authentic works of art were created that are currently exhibited in museums or private collections of avid collectors whose fascination is passed down from generation to generation.