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Victorian 18ct Gold Pietra Dura Cat Brooch

263P
315 Admirers Rare Find
Written by Olly Gerrish

A very unusual 18ct gold brooch that was made circa 1860-1880. “Pietra dura” which is italian for “Hard stone” refers to a Florentine mosaic 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
Materials
Date & Origin
Provenance
English
Condition
very Good
Discovered
4 years ago
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