Antique Pietra Dura Butterfly Conversion Earrings of 14k Gold anchor two tiny garnet eyes

two tiny garnet eyes

An alluring gold snake pendant created from an antique pin (circa 18880-1900)

three of the turquoise stones are original

diamonds and emeralds

The pendant is marked for 14k gold and also bears the maker's mark for Heintz Brothers Inc of Buffalo

Antique Pietra Dura Butterfly Conversion Earrings of 14k Gold anchor two tiny garnet eyesPietra dura is a decorative art that flourished in Florence during the 16th and 17th centuries. A form of mosaic, the intricate process involved cut to shape pieces of colored stones against a black slate. This beautifully inlaid construction greatly influenced Italian jewelry creations. Wonderfully designed, these pietra dura earrings illustrate colorful and dainty butterflies. The earring drops were originally 14k gold cufflinks (circa 1890 1910)