Postby AG2012 » Thu Oct 11, 2018 10:13 am
Hi,
It`s Italian Pietra Dura Jewelry
Developed during the 16th century in Florence, Italy .In pietra dura (translated as “hard stone” in Italian) designs were made using larger and fewer pieces of stone in comparison to the tiny pieces making up intricate micromosaics.
The components in pietra dura designs are actually polished and thinly sliced pieces of stone – most often semi-precious like agate, lapis lazuli, jasper, and chalcedony – placed into a dark background sometimes consisting of black marble. These pieces usually feature foliage or floral motifs, so other subject matters would be considered rare.
Testing for gold is not reliable unless deeply filed (which would damage the frame).
Italy has well established marking system of gold and silver.
Pietra dura was extremely common souvenir sold to tourists in many towns.
Antique pieces from mid 19th century can be valuable, but less than micro mosaic jewelry.
Regards
