The Antique Jewellery Company
Latest Finds Most Popular Expert Picks The Archive Sale Eras Collections
Contact Book a Consultation
Wishlist Sign In
The Antique Jewellery Company
Free Shipping, Returns & Sizing
Book Your Appointment
The Antique Jewellery Company Experts since 1975Read Our Story
The Antique Jewellery Company

Victorian 18ct Gold Pietra Dura Cat Brooch

263P
Rare Find
Written by Olly Gerrish

A very unusual gold brooch that was made circa 1860-1880. “Pietra dura” which is italian for “Hard stone” refers to a Florentine technique that is descendant from the Roman opus sectile mosaic style. In this technique, carefully sawn pieces of gemstones are fitted together like a jigsaw puzzle to form an image. It is an incredibly painstaking process and this brooch is exceptionally fine workmanship and is in the form of a seated cat. The 18ct gold mount has applied gold thread and balls in the Etruscan Revival style that was popular at that time.

Ollys Pick

Such a rare pussy cat all in stone!

Item Number
263P
Measurements
Diameter 5cm
Pietra dura diameter 3.8cm
Item Materials
Date & Origin
Provenance
English
Condition
very Good
Discovered
4 years ago
Sustainable Luxury

The Responsible Choice

Buying antique jewellery is both ethical and eco-friendly as harmful and destructive mining processes are not needed to make an item yours. So give yourself a pat on the back!

Find Out More
Sustainable Luxury
AJC Guarantee
Our Guarantee

Our Guarantee

We always stand by our five core principles:
Quality, Rarity, Expertise, Peace of Mind and Personal Touch

Find Out More