reclaimed, restyled and reinvented vintage jewelry

The Two Girls Gems collection is made by hand selecting quality vintage pieces and combining them with modern beads, chains and gemstones. Buckles, clips, brooches and chains are all reinvented; the transformation of each piece inspired by its unique vintage elements. The result is heirloom pieces for the next generation. We take pride in primarily using sterling silver or 14K gold or gold fill.
To see our full collection visit our website www.twogirlsgems.etsy.com.




Tuesday, September 23, 2014

                          Marvelous Micro Mosaics 

We have long been a fan of Micro Mosaics. When we first started visiting flea markets in our youth micro mosaic jewelry was on our hunting list. Back then they were affordable for a teen age girl and unusual shapes were not hard to find. I started putting my favorite ones on my jackets. I still have my jean jacket with my favorite mosaics and brooches given to me by friends. One of my friends has since past on which makes my jacket even more special and a warm reminder of my friend. 
Soon we started finding broken micro mosaic brooches. The mosaic tiles were all in place but the pin part was broken. So that is when we decided to salvage these pieces and transform them into pendant necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. 


The term “micro mosaic” (also spelled “micromosaic” and “micro-mosaic”) was coined by wealthy 20th-century collector Sir Arthur Gilbert in reference to Roman mosaics composed of little glass bricks called tesserae. Popular and sold to Victorian ladies in the early and mid-19th century, when the tourism trade blossomed in Rome. Today, two other types of jewelry—Florentine "pietra dura" and Venetian mosaic—also fall under the umbrella of micro mosaics from the Victorian era. Most commonly found are brooches and pendants, although bracelets and rings were not uncommon.
The imagery on micro mosaics, as well as cameos, reflected the renewed interest in antiquities and all things from the Classic period. Victorians on holiday in Rome would take home micro mosaic jewelry which served as a modern-day souvenir, a wearable image from the trip.

   These pieces now are a forgotten art, and although they are not made of gold they are heirlooms that we should treasure. They tell a story of a brief period in history and a type of artistry and craftsmanship that has long been forgotten. The pieces we have restyled and transformed are all one of a kind. They have been lovingly restored and re-imagined for the next generation. 



Vist our website to see our entire collection of these amazing mosaics www.twogirlsgems.com

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