Antique Pietra Dura Butterfly Necklace of 14k Gold

Pietra dura — the Florentine art of inlaying precisely cut, vibrantly hued hardstones into polished black slate — reached its height in the 18th and 19th centuries, adorning the collections of Europe’s most discerning patrons. Each work was a miniature masterpiece, a testament to patience, precision, and timeless beauty.

This exceptional example, dating to circa 1870–1890, began its life as an antique earring. Our master jeweler has thoughtfully reimagined it by removing the ear wire and adding a custom 14k gold bail, preserving its Old World elegance while enhancing its versatility.

Suspended from an 18.75-inch 10k gold chain, the pendant measures 1.2 inches from the top of the bail to the base and 0.7 inches across. Its condition is very good, with only the most minimal wear expected of a jewel well over a century old.

Both the pendant and chain have been professionally tested for metal content using XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analysis and jeweler’s acid testing, confirming their gold purity.

Materials: 14k gold, Stone.