GABRIELLE JUDITH WARR
micromosaics
Handmade in Italy
Wearable Art
Micromosaic jewellery is wearable art. Distinguished by the utmost skill and refined artistry it will always set itself apart from any other jewel. It is distinctive and unique, no two pieces can ever be the same. No piece will ever be repeated so you can rest assured that each creation will be absolutely singular.
From sketch to completion
A client's idea becomes reality. Often starting with few words from a client, a watercolour sketch of the final design is created. The next steps are the hardest, from the silversmithing to the micromosaic itself.
The silver work
Each silver bezel is handcrafted from scratch. This means no two designs can ever be identical.
Making the filati
Starting with Venetian mastertint glass, the colours are meticulously made by hand mixing molten glass that is then pulled into hair fine filaments, these are called filati.
Stucco
Stucco is the binder that holds all of the tiny glass filaments in place. It is an ancient recipe that has been in use for hundreds of years. It takes up to a year to produce but is well worth making it entirely by hand as there are examples of micromosaics still strong after 200 years.
The micromosaic
The creation of the micromosaic is the most intense part of the laborious multi step process. Each tiny, hair-fine filament is scored with a special file and snapped with tweezers to be set into the stucco. This is repeated hundreds or thousands of times until the micromosaic is finished.
Waiting
Then all we can do is wait. The stucco is strong but it needs time to cure and set. Pieces are often left for a couple of weeks before they're sent off to clients. Waiting is key for a strong heirloom. The micromosaic will last generations if the stucco is properly cured.