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What is a Pietra Dura?

Pietra dura is a form of mosaics, similar to Micromosaics, except that the tiles are much larger and are made from hard stones such as chalcedony, jasper, mother of pearl, agate, lapis lazuli, etc. These larger pieces are then set into a solid back ground such as black marble or sandstone.

The surface of the entire piece is flush. There are no protruding tiles or grooves between the tesserae. Normal scenes depicted are floral, but I have also seen other nature figures, such as birds and butterflies, as well as human figures. Settings are often various grades of silver or genuine gold, as well as brass.

Mosaic jewelry of all types was very popular after the excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum in the early to mid 1800s. It became known as a type of souvenir jewelry called "Archeological." They were very popular in Italy, especially Florence. These pieces of jewelry are truly miniature works of art. Various mosaic jewelry pieces were also made in England in the early to middle 19th century. Those made in England were not as elaborate as the Italian mosaics, but they are still very collectible.

In Italy, the manufacture of various mosaic jewelry items is still popular as a tourist trade, but it is generally the cruder mosaics, rather than pietra dura, that are found today.

Examples of Pietra Dura Jewelry. (click the pictures for more detail)

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