Pietra dura is a skilled inlay technique using cut and fitted, highly polished stones for creating an image. In this charming and sweet example, forget-me-not flowers are brought to life by stone held in a 9ct rose gold and 800 silver setting as a bar pin. Pin measures approximately 2 inch by 5/8 of an inch. Original c clasp and brass pin. No missing pieces or damage.

Pietra dura translates from Italian as "hard stone,” and involves the artisan carefully cutting and fitting together fragments of semi-precious stones like jasper, lapis lazuli, malachite, onyx and alabaster to form a picture. The stone pieces have been gently polished so the picture surface is smooth. During the Victorian era 1837-1901, wealthy British travelers brought home pieces of pietra dura jewelry as momentos from their adventures in Italy where the technique can be traced back to ancient Rome. Forget-me-not flowers seen in this brooch symbolized eternal love and remembrance to the Victorians.

In mosaic art jewelry we can find pietra dura or micromosaic pieces made recently and centuries ago. While both techniques use tiny pieces of material fitted together like a jigsaw puzzle, there are key differences. Pietra dura uses larger, hand-cut pieces of colored stones, fitted together. Micromosaics, on the other hand, typically utilize tiny, similarly shaped glass or enamel fragments placed together in a picture with a surface that is not smooth. Antique pietra dura brooches are more than just jewelry. They are miniature works of art, showcasing a blend of precise craftsmanship, artistic design, historical significance and sometimes symbolic meaning.

The item(s) are antique and sold as is/as found unless otherwise noted. Because they are old, they were used and will not look new or new-like. They likely show wear, fading, scratches, chips, cracks, past repair/restoration, original imperfections and/or damage from normal use. Significant issues are shown in photos. Examine photos carefully as they are part of the description. Imperfections were factored into pricing. No returns or refunds.

Items sold for $100 or more may be shipped with additional purchased insurance and a signature requirement. No responsibility for loss, theft or damage that occurs AFTER your purchase has been delivered to the address you have provided. Any damage to purchase must be reported immediately and photos provided of both the exterior of the box and the damaged item to facilitate the filing of a claim.