*French 1870 Roman revival grand tour bracelet in 18 kt yellow gold with micro mosaics

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French Micro-Mosaics bracelet from the 19th century. An exceptional rare piece from the grand tour period, created in the last quarter of the 19th century, circa 1870's. This gorge ous antique bracelet was made in Paris, France, with classic patterns at the ends of the napoleon III, third empire period (1852-1870). It was carefully crafted in 18 karats yellow gold, with decorated borders and suited, with a push cased lock. The main decorative elements, are six intricate micro-mosaics panels, mounted in a black onyx base, depicting, ancient Romans structures. The micro-mosaic's pieces are of Italian origins, each one created from more than 300 pieces, carved from natural stones such; blue lapis lazuli, red coral, black onyx, green malachite, cream & white mother-of-pearl and reddish jasper. This beautiful art-piece is composed by elements of several artistic movements, carefully mixed, such as; the Victorian era, the Etruscan revival and the Roman revival. The iconic Roman buildings illustrated are; the Colosseum, the bathrooms of Caracalla, the temple of Venus, the arch of triumph of Diocletian, the temple of Jupiter and the famous pantheon of Agrippa. History Behind This Pieces. History: Between the 1860 and 1890, ancient cities were discovered, such as Troy, Pompeii and Alexandria. Archaeological excavations in Egypt, Greece and Rome, discovered artistic pieces of these ancient cultures. These fabulous discoveries, stimulated cultural trips to these countries, popularly called "grand tour". Being the case that the enthusiast visitors bring back small objects, like souvenirs to be assembled into jewelry. The starting point of these trips were in the cities of Rome and Venice. this is why the craftsman's of these cities created small and interesting objects with ancient characteristics like this bracelet. Revival jewelry: The styles from the renaissance and middle ages, begun in the 1850’s, The Renaissance and Egyptian revivals were joined by a classical revival of Greek and Etruscan styles to conform a new aesthetic. As a result of the construction work on the Suez canal in the mid-1860’s and the Egyptian excavations of Auguste Mariette and the resultant exhibit of Egyptian treasures at the exposition Universelle in 1867, a fascination for all things Egyptian and ancient cultures developed. Have a total weight of 45.5 grams and a length of 7.5 inches (19 Cm). the six micro mosaic panel's measures are gradated from 35 mm by 30 mm to 26 mm by 22 mm. Stamped, with French hallmarks, two times with the national export mark of Minerva’s head for the assay and guaranty of the 18 kt and the maker's maitre cartouche. Note: This bracelet is in great antique condition and has been electronically tested for 75 % gold, equivalent to 18 karats. INVENTORY REF: B0000ENNM/1.093 Show more