Antique Micromosaic Fishing Boat Pendant of 14k Gold

A poetic glimpse into the past, this extraordinary pendant was meticulously crafted using an antique micromosaic salvaged from a Georgian-era paperweight, dating to circa 1830.

At its heart lies a serene maritime tableau: a solitary fishing boat gently adrift, rendered in minute glass tesserae that capture the motion of water and the stillness of sky with astonishing delicacy. Each tessera in this micromosaic was hand-set by an Italian artisan nearly two centuries ago—an exceptional feat of micro-engineering and artistic expression. The composition exemplifies the finest traditions of early 19th-century Roman micromosaics, where painstaking craftsmanship meets evocative imagery.

We have given this antique artwork new life by carefully resetting it in a custom 14k gold bezel, crafted to both protect and complement the mosaic. The softly glowing frame enhances the vivid hues of the glass and transforms the piece into a wearable relic of refined history.

The pendant measures approximately 1.3 inches from the top of the bail to the base and spans 1 inch across. It weighs 10.15 grams and remains in excellent condition. All tesserae are securely intact, and the gold setting is crisp and polished, showing only the lightest signs of age consistent with its antique nature.

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Gold purity has been verified using both X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis and traditional acid testing, ensuring authenticity and lasting value.

Materials: Hand-set Italian micromosaic glass tesserae; 14k gold

Provenance: Adapted from an early 19th-century micromosaic paperweight, Italy, circa 1830