C.1870. A grand tour souvenir micromosaic brooch in an antique box. A rare one that is beautifully made with pink tesserae for the background. It is called 'grand tour souvenir' because it was to be purchased by travelers, often wealthy young men on a 'Grand Tour' of Europe. 'Grand Tour' became a trend for young and sophisticated European aristocrats to visit Paris, Florence, Venice, and above all Rome to complete their classical education. A piece like this was acquired to take home as Victorian era 'souvenirs'.
This brooch features a flying white dove symbolizing 'peace'. Designed with the geometric octagonal shaped frame, four additional half moon shaped mosaic panels with tiny stars and gold squares on the edge make the accents. The tesserae are smooth to the touch and very fine depicting even the bird's small talons. The brooch is set in 18k gold, and the c-clasp is in good working order. There is a loop at the top center, so it can also be easily converted to a pendant if desired. Overall this piece is in great condition, and comes in a 19th century brooch box shown in the photo. 

Size: 23mm x 23mm (approximatey 0.91")