The “Grand Tour” to Italy and Greece was considered an essential part of a liberal education for any wealthy young English person at the beginning of the19th century. Geared to create a generation of gentlemen “amateurs” such as Lord Burlington, these chaperoned trips often lasted three to four years, civilizing, educating, and strengthening social networks. The Grand Tour phenomenon resulted in demand for classically inspired mementos, much like the Pilgrimage routes in Medieval Europe had for relics. Artisans of the time produced fine, scaled-down models of antique bronzes, marble architectural fragments and micro mosaic jewelry to meet the demand. Examples of the work continue in popularity to the present. Our micro mosaic and 10K gold pin appears to pictures a Pompeian ruin in a fine detailed assemblage of hundreds of minute glass tesserae. Judging by the fittings on the rear of the pin, it once was once part of a bracelet or necklace possibly comprising different views of Pompeii, one of the most romantic and popular stops on the Grand Tour. Condition: Excellent. Dimensions: 1.5" x 1.25".