Hi Nancy,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Hardstones such as agate, jasper, lapis lazuli, and marble were prized for their natural color, translucency, veining, and durability. In mosaic wall plaques, artisans could arrange contrasting stones to create highly detailed, jewel-like compositions without relying entirely on paint.

Their appeal is both visual and material: every stone has unique patterns, making each plaque effectively one-of-a-kind. The technique also connects to the Renaissance tradition of pietre dure, which became particularly prestigious in Florence and later throughout Europe. Hardstone mosaics convey luxury, craftsmanship, permanence, and connoisseurship—essentially turning geology into decorative art.

When hardstone was made into tiny pieces that created large, intricate compositions with designs, they can command quite high prices when they come to auction.

Your hardstone plaques are charming but lack the scale and complexity most collectors look for, and were likely sold to the export or tourist trade. At auction, they would likely bring as much as $150.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

Two vintage Continental hardstone figural plaques
probably mid 20th Century
Depicting a barmaid and drinking cavalier
each framed, 12-1/2 high by 8-1/2 wide
CONDITION: these appear to be in generally good condition
PROVENANCE: inherited
$ 100-150*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

BOLD
DATE
DESCRIPTION
DIMENSIONS
CONDITION:
PROVENANCE:
$ / £ / € VALUE*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia