Victorian Pietra Dura Brooch 18ct Gold

Description

Key Features

• MATERIALS: 18ct yellow gold, black hardstone, inlaid hardstones
• DIMENSIONS: Approx 38mm x 30mm.
• ERA/HALLMARK: Victorian. Tests for 18ct gold.
• WEIGHT: 12g
• CONDITION: The brooch remains in very good antique condition. The Pietra Dura inlay is intact and still shows strong colour. The gold frame has light age wear, and the pin fastens securely. There is a small area of old repair work to the edge, which sits neatly and does not affect stability or wear. Overall, the piece presents beautifully for its age.

This antique Pietra Dura brooch dates to the late Victorian era and offers a beautifully refined take on Italian micro-mosaic artistry. The piece features an oval hardstone plaque set in warm 18ct yellow gold. The inlaid scene shows two delicately rendered birds perched on a leafy branch, a classic motif in Pietra Dura jewellery.

Design & craftsmanship

Pietra Dura jewellery flourished in the 19th century, especially in Florence, where skilled artisans hand-cut tiny slivers of marble, chalcedony, jasper, and hardstone to create lifelike images. This brooch follows that tradition. Each feather, leaf, and branch shows the careful shaping and fitting of the stones. The black hardstone background adds depth, while the 18ct gold frame creates a rich contrast. The brooch secures with a traditional Victorian pin and clasp, which suits the period perfectly. The overall finish feels refined, yet distinctly artisanal.

Why we love this brooch

We love this antique Pietra Dura brooch because it captures everything that makes Pietra Dura special: artistry, precision, and storytelling. The birds sit close together, and their colours stand out cleanly against the dark ground. The image still looks crisp more than a century later, which says a lot about its quality. It is the kind of piece collectors admire for both its charm and its craftsmanship.

Styling ideas

You can wear it on a lapel, a knit jumper, or a structured dress. It also pairs beautifully with other Victorian gold pieces, since the warm frame adds a soft glow. Because the design is pictorial, it also works well as a talking point in a curated jewellery display.

Explore our full range of antique and vintage brooches

SHIPPING – UK ORDERS: Orders received before 11am Monday-Friday UK time will be dispatched the same day. This is via Royal Mail Special Delivery which is a fully tracked and insured service and will require a signature on arrival.

INTERNATIONAL ORDERS:
Please allow 1-2 days processing time. For orders under £350 we use Royal Mail International Tracked and Traced, with delivery around 7-10 days. For orders above £350 we use a door to door courier service with delivery between 3-7 days depending on location.

You will receive a tracking number for accurate delivery information. We are not responsible for any import duty or VAT on delivery, this rate varies in different countries so please get in touch with your local customs office for more information.

Our jewellery comes packaged in a beautiful black faux leather box and black branded gift bag.

RETURNS:
We do accept returns provided they are returned within 14 days from receiving the item. We will issue a full refund minus the shipping cost.

We will provide a return address and this must be returned at the cost of the customer using a fully insured, tracked and signed for service.

The item must be returned exactly as it was sent, unaltered and undamaged and in the original packaging. This must be marked clearly as a return, otherwise we reserve the right to deduct any import charges made to us from the refund on all international orders.

We do not accept returns on sale items or alterations including ring sizings.