Antique Italian 39mm Micromosaic Plaque with Doves in 18k Victorian Era Brooch Mount
A fine large 39mm x 31mm Victorian era Italian micro mosaic plaque with tiny sand sized glass tesserae, likely c.1840-50s, of tumbling doves with red ribbon. The plaque is a basin of slate or black marble or glass, beveled as typical on these, and this one is mounted in 18k gold - a brooch. A Grand Tour souvenir made into lovely jewelry. Full measurements noted on the photos. Very good to excellent condition for age and type, the gold has been acid-tested at 18k, and the brooch pin is original. I find a tight and stabilized hairline traversing it (see images) but no disruption to tesserae, none missing nor raised - the flaw is only visible at angles of light, or from backside where it appears to have been resin-restored. Very stable, a very nice old mosaic and unique theme.