Gold and Micromosaic Cross Brooch, circa 1870

The Greek cross decorated in multi-colored tesserae with a central lobed motif of a cross flanked by the Greek letters for Alpha and Omega, a cluster of grapes above and an anchor below, quartered by winged busts of angels. 

This brooch done in archaeological-revival style, was inspired by the firm of Castellani who were enormously successful in reviving both the techniques and symbols found in ancient cultures. The glass tesserae are a reference to early Christian mosaics that would have used the same material. The design includes various Christian and mythological symbols including winged angels, a bunch of grapes, which are a Bacchanalian reference, and an anchor, the symbol of hope. For a suite of micromosaic jewelry with similar symbols, see The Gilbert Collection: Micromosaics, Jeanette Hanisee Gabriel, pp. 248-249. Other examples are illustrated by Geoffrey Munn, Castellani and Giuliano, Revivalist Jewellers of the 19th Century, pls. 56 and 58.