A wonderful micro mosaic pin for a lady or a man depicting the Arch of Titus in Rome, most likely purchased in the 19th century as a Grand Tour souvenir.
Micro mosaics are created by assembling fragments of multi-coloured glass into a base to create an image and was most popular in Italy in the mid 19th century, although their creation goes back to the Renaissance of the 15th and 16th centuries.
This piece is in wonderful condition for its age and all of the tesserae are in tact. The blue glass backing has a fine hairline crack, however is secure and the frame holds the piece tightly together.
The gold frame is untested, however is likely to be at least 9kt in purity. The pin and clasp are secure and working well.
2.3cm at widest.