Vintage Victorian Era 1800’s MicroMosaic Inlay Millefiori & Brass Brooch, Italy
This lovely, very colorful, round 1” brooch has a floral motif composed of masterfully placed tiny bits of colored glass. It has a TRULY Vintage safety pin style clasp that is in fine working condition; on the back that is stamped "Made in Italy”. In PRISTINE condition.
Wearing micromosaic jewelry became popular during the Grand Tour period (17th–19th century). Members of rich European families would travel around Europe, taking in the sights & cultures of different countries. Italy was a very popular tourist spot as it had a long & prestigious history in arts & culture; a favorite subject in aristocratic circles. It was also a famous glass producer & canny Italian craftsmen quickly turned their glass-making skills to making stunning miniature micromosaic pictures for their rich visitors.
The richest tourists would commission their own mosaics. Many micromosaics, rather than being sold in Italy, were exported to jewelers in London & Paris to be set into larger pieces.
