Pietra Dura Dove Brooch

In the world of antique jewelry, Pietra Dura is one of my greatest loves. Artfully crafted examples like this are becoming more and more difficult to find. The name translates literally from “hard stone.” Inlaid jewelry has existed for millennia and it was especially popular during the Victorian era as souvenir jewelry from "The Grand Tour" of Italy.

This brooch features an image of a dove in flight, carrying a morning glory flower, complete with sweetly crafted heart-shaped leaves. The dove and blossom are fashioned from bright white stone, which is beautifully contrasted by the black onyx backdrop into which they are set. The pietra dura slab is round in shape and framed in a gold-topped silver bezel with delicate silver scrollwork and golden bead accents. The brooch has a silver pin stem and c-clasp and brass back.

The Victorians adored symbolism and many parts of their lives were rife with double meanings and representations, especially when it came to the depiction of flowers and animals, the first of which had an entire language (flower language or floriography.) This brooch is an example of Victorian mourning jewelry: the dove in flight symbolizes the soul or spirit in flight to heaven (they can also represent the Holy Spirit) and a morning gloriy (clutched in the dove’s beak) symbolizes love and affection and the fleeting nature of life.

More details:

Pietra dura plaque measures 18.6mm in diameter, total diameter including bezel border measures 23.9mm.

Excellent condition

.925 Sterling Silver (tested) border and pin stem with 14k gold (tested) accents and brass backing.

4.6 grams

All purchases arrive in a gift box, wrapped with a ribbon.