Western Europe, probably Italy, Neoclassical Period, ca. 19th century CE. A set of delicate earrings constructed with settings of 93% gold (equivalent to 22K+) as well as stone tesserae micro mosaics of winged putti. Each earring consists of a hemispherical central body with an image of a putto (cherub) with an infantile face - chubby cheeks, soft stares, and parted coiffures - above a pair of colorful wings. Surrounding the youthful visages are meticulously designed floral, linear, and geometric motifs, all in polychrome hues. Below the central body are 3 suspension loops from which dangle drop-form pendants, each with matching micro mosaic motifs. Above the central body is a petite medallion inlaid with captivating floral motifs surrounded by triangular mosaic borders and twisted gold wires. The verso of each accessory holds an arching French hook that enables the wearability of this sumptuous pair of Neoclassical earrings! Size of each (both are relatively similar): 0.7" W x 2.375" H (1.8 cm x 6 cm); gold quality: 93% (equivalent to 22K+); total weight: 15.4 grams

According to "Collectors Weekly," "The term 'micro mosaic' (also spelled "micromosaic" and "micro-mosaic") was coined by wealthy 20th-century collector Sir Arthur Gilbert in reference to Roman mosaics composed of little glass bricks called tesserae. Packed with 1,500 to 5,000 pieces per square inch, this type of miniature mosaic was sold as fine jewelry to Victorian ladies in the early and mid-19th century, when the tourism trade blossomed in Rome."

Cf. a brooch with a micro mosaic image of Medusa at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 2007.299.1

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, before 2010

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#159439

Wearable as shown. Both earrings have small chips to some inlaid mosaic tesserae, with slight bending to ear wires, otherwise intact and excellent. One earring has a petite maker's mark behind main body, and second earring has faint, abraded maker's mark in similar area. Both earrings have beautiful patina to gold areas as well as wonderful preservation to delicate micro mosaics.