Pietra Dura Antique Brooch

Pietra Dura is Italian for "Hard Stone" and the Pietra Dura craftmanship originally flourished in Italy particularly in Florence during the late 16th and 17th century. It is a laborious process of placing inlaid stone in to a hard backing. At a glance it looks like painting. The stone inlay work is finely crafted, beautiful, and highly collected. This gorgeous example measures 4.5cms x 3.5cms. There is a firm C clasp to the back, and condition is very good. Gift boxed by Vintageonline.