Late 18th Century Antique Micro Mosaic Ring from Italy

Description: Hello! I have, in my possession, late 18th century Micro Mosaic fixed on a gold ring. I acquired this from a private seller a long while ago, with an information sheet which I have attached. I'm looking to see my ring, and was fortunate enough to have it appraised by Bruschini Tanca Antiques, an auction house in Rome that specializes in Antique Micro Mosaic rings. I have priced it accordingly to their appraisal, and will include their letter of authenticity upon purchase. Here is a little history on the ring: A very rare late 18th century oval Italian micro mosaic plaque of the tomb of Caecilia Metella in Rome set in a later English gold ring, fully hallmarked for 9K (9ct), London, from jeweler Fred Manshaw Ltd, manufacturing jewelers in the Barbican area of London, who used this distinctive mark from 1960-1973. There is also a sovereign head mark but no date stamp so that 13-year period during which Fred Manshaw used this stamp is as close as I can date the setting. I'm not sure if this is the original setting; perhaps the plaque was set in an earlier one and refashioned in the 60s-70s. The hallmarks are very hard to see, even with a loupe. However, the maker's mark and the quality stamps 9, and 375) are indeed visible. After those is a sovereign head and the lion mark for the London Assay office. These micromosaic plaques were often acquired as souvenirs on Grand Tours of the Continent and brought back to be fashioned into jewelry locally. Additionally, Italian micro mosaic artists sent unmounted plaques to jewelers abroad for use in their own pieces. Traditional subjects were Roman ruins as well as flora and fauna. The tomb of Caecilia Metella is a mausoleum located just outside Rome at the three mile marker of the Via Appia, built during the 1st century BC. The micromosaic could be attributed to the workshop of Giacomo Raffaelli (1753-1836). Raffaelli was one of the foremost artists in the area of micromosaics and one of the first to incorporate micromosaics in jewelry. He started the School of Mosaics in Milan. Late 18th century micromosaics in pristine condition are rare and highly collectible. The micro mosaic tesserae are set on a plate of gold. This ring is in excellent condition - The mosaic is perfect with no missing stones. The gold setting is in very good condition with minor age-related wear but no damage. Vintage ring box from a Roman jeweler is included. Measurements: US ring size 9.5, UK ring size S 3/4. It can be sized within reason by a competent jeweler. The ring face measures 3.1cm × 1.85cm.

Price: 3000 USD

Location: Laguna Beach, California

End Time: 2025-02-10T21:40:29.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD