Victorian 14k Gold Micro Mosaic Swan Brooch

For sale a beautiful Victorian era 14 gold brooch featuring an elegant swan made of meticulously detailed micro mosaic.

The white swan, beautifully set against a deep blue background, appears to be gracefully searching for something beneath the water's surface. The micro mosaic panel is backed on silver and mounted in 14K yellow gold. It is framed by a circle of twisted gold wires which give it an Etruscan style look. The brooch has the c-catch pin system at the back which is also made in 14K yellow gold.

Swans are renowned for their strong and lifelong pair bonds, symbolizing love and fidelity. This makes the swan a popular motif in sentimental jewelry, representing devotion and commitment. This deep symbolic meaning makes this brooch a heartfelt gift for anyone who is special in your eyes.

Creating a micro mosaic is an intricate and labor-intensive process that requires patience and precision. The mosaicist uses tweezers to apply hundreds, sometimes thousands, of tiny tesserae to create incredibly detailed and beautiful scenes. The art of mosaic dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome and the Romans perfected the technique, creating elaborate floor and wall mosaics that depicted scenes from mythology, daily life, and nature.

Micro mosaics became highly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries as souvenirs for wealthy Europeans undertaking the Grand Tour. Artisans created intricate jewelry, plaques, and small decorative items.

Measurements and Condition

In overall good antique condition. Tiny missing on the micro mosaic please see photos.

Traces of use and oxidation on the gold. Scratches on the surface of the silver backing of the micro mosaic.

No hallmark is found so the mounting of the brooch is acid test for being 14K gold.

Diameter of the brooch: 25mm

Weight: 7.1g