Florentine Memory

Antique Gold Locket with Pietra Dura Mosaic Florence c. 1870

€ 1,390.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Antique Gold Locket with Pietra Dura Mosaic Florence c. 1870

Description

This description was automatically translated from German. If you have any questions about this piece of jewellery, we will be happy to help!

The Romans named Florence after the Roman goddess of flowers, "Florentia". How appropriate does a detailed depiction of flowers, executed in Pietra Dura, which was created in the city on the Arno, seem? Pietra Dura jewelry, made in the workshops of the Medici, has been a popular souvenir from Florence since the Renaissance. In the 19th century in particular, many travelers brought these small souvenirs from Florence back home with them. A loosely tied bouquet consisting of forget-me-nots, lilies and lilies of the valley appears against a deep black background. The inlay work consists of various semi-precious stones such as turquoise, agate and jade, the shades of which have been used to create a three-dimensional effect. An elaborate setting made of high-carat gold with additional fine gold plating makes the inlay work wearable as a pendant. Fine overlays of gold wire in the so-called "archaeological style" give the piece a magnificent appearance. A glazed frame on the back allows a photograph or lock of hair to be stored. The particularly large loop allows the precious piece of jewelry to be worn on a velvet ribbon. We discovered the Florentine mosaic in Baden and brought it with us to Berlin. The pietra dura work was probably originally acquired on a trip to Florence and dates from around 1870.

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In the 19th century, Europe's technical and scientific development made history the leading discipline of the time. New excavations in Italy opened up previously unknown periods of European history, and the early history of civilizations in particular experienced an unprecedented level of interest. In Italy, the Etruscans in particular were rediscovered and their arts and crafts became known beyond the country's borders. Beyond the narrow confines of the university, the citizens of European countries also became enthusiastic about the new discoveries and sought to own jewelry, furniture and handicrafts in these exciting new forms. In Rome, the Castellani company became particularly famous in this context: Fortunato Pio Castellani and his sons researched the Etruscans and soon offered first-class jewellery for the crowned heads of the continent, incorporating the formal language of these early inhabitants of the Italian peninsula. However, their work, which quickly became known as the "archaeological style", was also received with interest in Germany and merged with the forms of its own history.

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Size & Details

Florentine Memory

€ 1,390.00 ^*

Content 1 piece

Incl. VAT, Shipping

Our Promise

We want you to be 100% satisfied! For that reason, we examine, describe and photograph all of our jewellery with the utmost care.

You can rely on our years of experience in the trade and our expertise as a professional art historians for reviews of the antique jewellery. As a member of various trade organisations and the British Society of Jewellery Historians, we remain committed to the highest possible degree of accuracy. In our descriptions, we always also indicate any signs of age and defects and never hide them in our photos – this saves you from any unpleasant surprises when your package arrives.

Should you for some reason not be satisfied, please don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can find a solution together. In any case, you can return any article within one month and we will refund the full purchase price.

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Florentine Memory

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