Sophisticated, Alluring.

We adore antique micromosaic jewelry — so often acquired in Italy by wealthy young travelers on their “Grand Tour” of the European continent. Here is a marvelous example from the atelier of Cesare Roccheggiani — a well-known micromosaicist working in Rome at the latter part of the 19th century. Roccheggiani came from a family of established Vatican micromosaicists and was known for monumental works and jewelry alike. His works were shown at the 1876 and 1880 International Exhibitions and are now in private collections and museums. A magnificent micromosaic necklace by Roccheggiani is in the British Museum, viewable at: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1978-1002-31. See also Charlotte Gere and Judy Rudoe, Jewellery In The Age Of Queen Victoria, at page 423.

This pendant, in the form of a Greek cross, is masterfully crafted in high karat gold in characteristic Etruscan Revival style — with granulation and rope detailing. The micromosaic is eye-catching and dramatic, in sophisticated shades of predominantly black and red, with touches of white and green. The interplay of the dark tones against the richly patinated antique gold is perfection — and shown to great advantage against the wine colored interior of the original, fitted box.

The mosaics are depicted in 5 delineated areas — each arm of the cross and the central medallion — all with symbols associated with Christianity: the Greek letters for “Chi Rho,” then “Alpha” and “Omega”, as well as an ascending dove and holy grail. Chi and Rho intertwined are an early Christogram, and Alpha and Omega — the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet — represent the presence of God from beginning to end. The holy grail was used by Christ at the Last Supper and the dove offers several meanings, including peace, the soul, the Holy Spirit, among others.

While the symbols are associated with faith, we appreciate this pendant for its beauty, origins, and association with a bygone era when leisure travel was a rare luxury and this would have been a souvenir of those travels.

Absolutely fabulous on a period gold collar or chain.

Bonus discovery: The inside panel of the box lifts up to be used as a standing display, with the aid of the fold out easel stand behind the panel.

Marked with a maker’s or gold mark (partially rubbed); original fitted box marked for: C. Roccheggiani, Manufacture de Mosaiques, Rue Condotti 13, Rome. (The use of French on the box suggests that this piece was exhibited or sold in France (probably Paris), similarly to the necklace in the collection of the British Museum, above).

18k gold, glass tesserae.

Dimensions and weight:

● 55.6 mm long (including bail)/ 41.8 mm long (not including bail)

● 41.6 mm wide

● 5 mm deep

● 10.7 grams

Period: Victorian (circa 1870)

Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present.

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