Bright, joyful, and intricate in every detail, “Roma Reverie” is a delightful slice of 1920s Italian craftsmanship—small in scale, yet grand in charm. This brooch captures the enduring romanticism of Italian micro mosaics, with a playful border of starburst rosettes that feel both folkloric and refined.
 
Design & Craftsmanship
At the heart of this brooch, a pair of stylized millefiori blossoms—one poppy-red and one sunflower-yellow—bloom against a vivid emerald-green field. Surrounding this central floral motif is an ornate starburst border made up of radiant red and white floral canes, symmetrically placed in a golden micro beaded frame that mimics delicate filigree.
The shape is a soft oval, and the surface gently domed, which enhances the three-dimensional sparkle of the tiny glass tesserae. The entire piece is set in a gilded brass frame with a twisted rope edge, finished with a simple pin-back fitting on the reverse and the mark “ITALY” etched faintly into the metal.
Unlike earlier Victorian-era mosaic brooches, Roma Reverie reflects the Art Deco spirit of the 1920s—cheerful, streamlined, and made for women on the move. The use of bright primary colors and bold framing makes it as wearable today as it was a century ago.
 
Material & Technique
This brooch is a miniature mosaic, also known as micromosaic, created by embedding tiny glass pieces (tesserae) into a backing compound. The craftsmanship involves the traditional Roman technique of setting colorful smalti (opaque glass rods) to create precise floral imagery. This type of work, often produced in workshops in Rome and Florence, became a key souvenir of early 20th-century tourism in Italy.
The millefiori border—glass cane slices with floral patterns—is especially rare in micro mosaic jewelry and adds to the collectible appeal of this brooch.
 
How to Style It: A Little Pop of Vintage Whimsy
Despite its antique roots, Roma Reverie is perfectly suited for contemporary fashion. Here are some fresh ways to style this cheerful gem:
With a high-neck blouse or peter pan collar: Pin it dead center for a nod to vintage schoolgirl charm.
On the strap of a linen or cotton summer dress: Let it glint in the sunlight.
As a charm on a hatband or beret: Playful and poetic.
Pinned to a ribbon and worn as a choker or wristband: A fresh twist on antique adornment.
Clustered with other small brooches: Build a “mini gallery” on your jacket lapel or knit cardigan.
 
Collector’s Note
Micro mosaic pieces from this period are increasingly rare and highly collectible, especially in such well-preserved condition. The fine detailing, compact size, and original signature on the reverse make “Midnight Garden” a wearable heirloom—perfect for collectors and connoisseurs of old-world elegance.
 
- 1920s
- Italian Mosaic (Signed Italy)
- Material: Glass micromosaic tesserae, brass mount
- In excellent vintage condition. No defect or damage or damage. Please see close up video for quality assurance.
- Measures: 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm
- Sourced from London, UK