The Art of Micro Mosaic Jewelry
Step into the intricate world of micro mosaic jewelry, a centuries-old art form meticulously brought to life by Joyce Slate Micro Mosaics. Discover the ancient techniques, authentic materials, and passionate craftsmanship that make each piece a wearable heirloom.
A journey to the heart of mosaic art
In 2019, my journey led me to Ravenna, Italy – the undisputed mosaic capital of the world. Here, amidst ancient Roman ruins and Dante’s resting place, I immersed myself in one of the few schools dedicated to preserving the authentic, endangered art form of micro mosaic. It's a city where mosaics adorn even the street signs, a constant inspiration. This unique process begins with exquisite smalti glass, sourced directly from the oldest glass factory in Murano, Italy.
From molten glass to intricate detail
With a torch, I melt and meticulously shape the smalti while it’s molten, employing specialized tools to achieve precision. The hot glass is then deftly pulled into long, delicate threads, known as filati, using pliers. The unique shape crafted during the molten stage is perfectly preserved in these fine threads. These filati are then carefully cut into minuscule pieces, called tesserae, each smaller than a grain of rice, ready to be individually placed within the jewelry setting.
The roman secret: lasting beauty
The heart of each piece's longevity lies in the handmade stucco, an adhesive crafted following an ancient Roman formula. I pulverize travertine marble into a flour-like consistency, then mix it with linseed oil, allowing it to harden over several months. This slow-curing process is repeated to obtain a traditional stucco designed to last through the ages. Each tesserae is then meticulously set with tweezers within the jewelry setting. The finished heirloom piece can be sanded for a smooth finish or left textured, with a touch of wax sometimes melted into the surface to fill any tiny gaps.
Each piece of jewelry that I create embodies a passion for a forgotten craft. I use authentic Murano glass and a specially formulated handmade stucco to create heirloom jewelry with an old-world Italian technique. I strives to modernize these designs while meticulously preserving the integrity of their rich history.