19 th. C. Venetian Tesserae Micro Mosaic Festoon Necklace with English Star and Turquoise - SOLD

Exquisitely handcrafted in Jill Garber’s USA studio, this one-of-a-kind statement necklace from the Wisdom Collection celebrates the marriage of historical artistry, classical design, and contemporary luxury. At its center, an antique English sterling oval pendant showcases a highly detailed raised eight-point starburst, creating a dramatic focal point imbued with 19th-century charm. Beneath, a 2-inch robin’s egg blue micro-mosaic pendant, accented with a 5 mm natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise cabochon, forms an elongated festoon that gracefully extends the piece.

The neck chain is enriched with six colorful floral micro-mosaic ovals set on a black ground and framed with engraved sterling, creating rhythm and visual harmony. Delicately curved French filigree panels, each accented with turquoise buttons, add a lace-like dimension, blending Elizabethan elegance with Western-inspired artistry. Measuring 16.13 inches in total length with a 4.75-inch drop, this necklace exemplifies Jill Garber’s mastery in transforming historical motifs into wearable heirlooms, perfect for collectors and lovers of rare, museum-quality jewelry.

• Antique English raised starburst sterling pendant

• 2" x 1.25" robin’s egg blue floral micro-mosaic elongated drop

• Six 1" colorful floral micro-mosaic ovals on black ground

• Seven 5 mm natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise cabochons

• Antique French filigree link panels with turquoise buttons

• Overall length: 16.13 inches with 4.75" drop

• Handcrafted in sterling silver with rich studio patina in our USA studio

*  Italian micro-mosaics, or micromosaics, flourished primarily in Rome during the 18th and 19th centuries, emerging as one of the most exquisite expressions of decorative art. Artisans meticulously arranged hundreds to thousands of tiny glass tesserae, often smaller than a pinhead, to create intricate images of classical architecture, religious scenes, and floral motifs. These miniature masterpieces became highly sought after by Grand Tour travelers, who collected them as luxurious souvenirs and symbols of cultural sophistication, showcasing the technical precision and artistic mastery of Roman workshops.

The micro-mosaic tradition drew inspiration from Renaissance and Baroque art, blending historical, religious, and naturalistic themes into wearable objects, including jewelry, small plaques, and decorative boxes. Each piece was celebrated not only for its aesthetic beauty but also for the skill and patience required to create the delicate images, making micro-mosaics highly prized collectibles. Today, antique Italian micro-mosaics are cherished by connoisseurs for their historical significance, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance, often serving as the focal point in luxury jewelry designs that merge classical artistry with contemporary vision.