'Me and Bobby McGee' Antique Italian Micro-Mosaic Pendant

Regular price: £1,625.00
Regular price
Sale price: £1,625.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Just like Bobby McGee in Baton Rouge, this exceptional antique brooch has covered some miles...

Most likely acquired by an aristocrat, landed gentry, or a progressive artistic lady looking for adventure when 'on tour' in Italy circa 1850-1860, the finely worked scene depicts a traditionally dressed dancing couple intricately formed from minute pieces of coloured glass set against a richly polished black glass ground.

The oval panel is surrounded by an elaborate 15-carat gold mount, probably French, with a beautifully worked twisted-wire border. Two articulated gold tassels hang beneath bring movement and a wonderful sense of theatre to the piece.

The workmanship is extraordinary, from the subtle shading of the figures’ clothing to the tiny landscape beneath their feet. Bold, romantic and remarkably well preserved, this is far more than a decorative brooch, it is a miniature work of art and a particularly special example of nineteenth-century Italian micro-mosaic jewellery.

The Grand Tour remained an important rite of passage for wealthy European travellers in the mid-nineteenth century. Aristocrats and members of the growing affluent middle class journeyed through France, Switzerland and Italy, joined increasingly by independent women, artists and writers. Italy, with its classical ruins, Renaissance art and celebrated craftsmanship, was often the highlight. Travellers returned home with paintings, antiquities and finely worked jewels such as this magnificent brooch - beautiful, portable reminders of the places they'd visited.

Details

ERA:
Early Victorian (1850-1860)

MEASUREMENTS: 5.6cm wide x 4.8cm high

WEIGHT: 28.82g

MATERIALS:
Yellow metal (tests as 15-carat gold mount, 14-carat bale), polished glass

HALLMARKS & STAMPS:
Unmarked; tests as approximately 15-carat gold

CONDITION:
Excellent antique condition with a few minor surface scratches and chips to the glass

INCLUDED WITH YOUR ORDER
Your jewellery will arrive in a Blue Jean Baby presentation box and tied with a ribbon.

ANTIQUE & VINTAGE JEWELLERY
Old jewellery has lived a little! That's part of why we love it. As an antique or vintage piece, gentle signs of age and wear are part of its history and character.

This is a genuine antique or vintage piece sourced and hand-selected by Mandy. As with all antique and vintage jewellery, there may be signs of age, wear, previous repair or alteration consistent with its history. Each piece is carefully inspected before listing and again prior to dispatch. We always do our best to describe and photograph its condition accurately. Photographs form part of the description, so please review all photographs, measurements and condition information carefully before purchasing.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, gemstones have not been removed from their settings for laboratory testing. Gemstones, materials, dates and periods are identified to the best of our knowledge using available hallmarks, testing where undertaken, visual assessment, construction and period characteristics.

Where precious-metal content has been tested, hallmarked or otherwise verified, this will be stated in the individual listing. Measurements and weights are approximate.

HALLMARKING
Certain precious-metal pieces manufactured before 1950 may be exempt from compulsory UK hallmarking under the Hallmarking Act 1973. Where applicable, metal content and any existing marks or testing are detailed above.

COMPLIMENTARY INSURED SHIPPING
UK: Complimentary insured delivery via Royal Mail.

INTERNATIONAL: Complimentary insured worldwide delivery via DHL Express with tracking.

Orders are normally dispatched within 2-3 working days.

Delivery times are estimates and may occasionally be affected by customs or circumstances outside our control.
International orders may be subject to customs duties, import taxes, tariffs, handling charges or other fees imposed by the destination country. Unless expressly stated otherwise at checkout, these charges are not included in the product price and are the responsibility of the recipient.

US BUYERS OF ANTIQUES OVER 100 YEARS OLD
Pieces over 100 years old may qualify for duty-free entry into the United States under the applicable US customs classification for antiques. The age and period of qualifying pieces will be accurately described on the relevant customs documentation.

RETURNS
We want you to be delighted with your purchase. If you wish to return an eligible item, please notify us within 14 days of receiving your order.

Returned jewellery must be handled with reasonable care and returned in accordance with our Return Policy. Where permitted by applicable consumer law, the customer is responsible for the cost of returning an unwanted item.
Your statutory rights are not affected. Please see our Shipping Policy and Return Policy for full details.

QUESTIONS?
If you would like additional photographs, measurements or information about this piece, please contact us before purchasing.

Email: hello@bluejeanbaby.co.uk
Text Mandy: +44 (0)7849 141385