Pietra Dura literally means HARDSTONE, in reference to the various hard-stones, eg. chalcedony, agate, jasper, lapis lazuli that were applied in flat slices to produce a type of MOSAIC, that began in Florence during the Renaissance. It is also called FLORENTINE MOSIAC and was produced on small articles of jewelry such as finger rings, pendants and brooches. Hand crafted Florentine mosaic pendants and brooches are still being made today.
During the 19th century and the early 20th century mosaic jewelry was popular. The later mosaic jewelry was made out of small pieces of colored glass and multi colored rods and have an entirely different look from the earlier mosaic jewelry. The earlier pieces are much better pieces than the later ones.
Construction methods, findings, and scale help in determining circa dates. Another clue is the colors used in the pieces.
