Antique 14K, Malachite & Micro Mosaic Brooch Depicting "Rebecca at The Well"

 The Grand Tour was a rite of passage starting in the late 17th Century. It continued for about 300 years, tapering off into obscurity around the turn of the 20th Century. A typical "Grand Tourist" would be an educated and wealthy Englishman, German, Scandinavian, or American. The trip was a method of architectural, cultural and social study. The itinerary could vary, but usually a Tour started in France and ended in Italy. It was common to collect various art, jewelry, and souvenirs to commemorate the trip. These items were usually sent home for loved ones, kept as mementos, or formed the basis of new life-long collections for the men who took the trip.

The term "micro mosaic" was coined by wealthy 20th-century collector Sir Arthur Gilbert in reference to Roman mosaics composed of little glass bricks called tessarae. These were sold as fine jewelry to Victorian ladies in the early and mid-19th century, when the tourism trade was at a peak in Rome.

This stunning example of micro mosaic artistry features a depiction of the biblical "Rebecca at the well"  collecting water. From her brightly colored garments to the incredibly detailed landscape in the background, she is a tiny tessarae masterpiece! Set in an elaborate 14 karat gold frame with a stone of marbled green malachite, it is a wonderful example of a Grand Tour souvenir. The malachite has a fracture, but it does not affect the overall beauty and artistic condition of the brooch.

Details (approximate)

Dimensions: 55mm x 45mm

Weight: 20.9 grams

Materials: Gold, malachite, micro mosaic tiles

Metal: 14K yellow gold

Marks: None

Condition: Very good antique condition; malachite stone is fractured

LORL, LOE