Mosaic art work is familiar to us. But micro mosaics? That is on a whole other level of skill. This type of detailed work consists of small mosaic glass pieces called tessarae. The Victoria and Albert Museum of Design in London shared this marvelous video on how skilled artists from the Art Mosaic factory painstakingly make and turn millimetre-thin glass canes into art.
The use of really tiny tessarae can be found as long ago as the Byzantine empire. Micro mosaics reached their peak popularity during the Victorian period when hordes of wealthy British families visited Continental Europe for their Grand Tours. They bought many micro mosaics including jewelry especially from Italy as souvenirs.
Today these antique (over 100 years old) and vintage (typically after 1930's) items are collectibles. Shown above is Meanglean's Vintage Italian Micro Mosaics ring. I have also shared some of my favorites from vintage suppliers below.
Wildings Vintage : Micro Mosaic Brooch - 1900's Edwardian
Gradyladies : Vintage Micro Mosaics Necklace
MinxyvintageEngland : Antique Venetian Micro Mosaics Floral Heart Necklace
JewelryfromCatsMeow : Antique Victorian Micro Mosaics Grand Tour Italy Souvenir bracelet
ItalianMicroMosaics : Antique Victorian Grand Tour Goldstone and Micro Mosaics earrings
ItalianMicroMosaics : Antique Micro Mosaics brooch and earrings Italy Grand Tour souvenir
ItalianMicroMosaics : Antique Micro Mosaics Pansy Earrings Italy Grand Tour souvenir.
Before You Go:
- Mosaic Polymer Clay Animal Jewelry by Creek Side Studio
- What To Do With Your Vintage Jewelry Collections
- Hand Cut Mosaic Jewelry by Angela Ibbs Designs
Disclosure
This blog may contain affiliate links. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation.
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
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Wow! I didn't know such beauty existed, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to buy a small Byzantine style micro mosaic pendant and earrings in Rome. They arent as ornate as the examples that you have picked out, but after seeing this post, I am really happy that I bought what I could.
ReplyDeleteYes, you are indeed lucky! I am a little jealous!
DeleteWhat an incredible amount of work but with stunning results!
ReplyDelete