Mid 19th Century Pietra Dura Brooch c.1860

This superb quality mid 19th century Pietra dura brooch is a very fine example decorated with a complicated and detailed display of cut flowers which include turquoise blue forget-me-nots, a pale pink English rose and a white Lilly. All of these flowers have a romantic significance in the Victorian period. They are further enhanced with stems of green foliage. They have all been cut and inlaid from semi precious stones into a rectangular tablet of black marble or slate. This bright vibrant panel is mounted in a silver and gold frame decorated around its perimeter with raised gold beads and delicate silver scrolls. At the back of the brooch, the tablet is secured and protected with a bronze back plate held in place with a crimped edge. The brooch has a hinged nickel pin and a fine gold safety chain for extra security. Nickel was often used on quality broaches of this period because of its strength and durability. The brooch is in excellent original condition with no damage or restoration and comes with a fabulous Victorian maroon leather covered hinged box with a blue silk and velvet interior with bold gilt lettering for the retailer and jeweller Morath Brothers of 71 Dale Street, Liverpool.