14K Gold Micro Mosaic Parthenon Ring

This size 6 1/2 14K ring with a split shank houses a bezel set glass and onyx micro mosaic souvenir from the Grand Tour depicting the Parthenon dedicated to the goddess Athena. The framed micro mosaic element is from the 1870’s or 80's and is in excellent condition for its age. Measuring 12.5 mm, it was made using a painstaking technique that involves creating an image out of small pieces of opaque enamel glass called tesserae. The tiny mosaics were first developed in the second half of the 18th century by the Vatican Mosaic Workshop. By the 19th century, numerous independent studios devoted to the production of these small keepsakes were established to meet travelers’ demands for souvenirs. The split shank ring and bezel setting were custom made for the micro mosaic. The ring weighs 3.9 grams the face of the ring is 14.5 mm.

There is a collection of these rings with various subject matter available on Kirsten's Corner.