The design of this delicate ring is known as a 'Giardinetti', which means tiny garden in Italian. It is a remnant of a major trend in jewellery in the second half of the 18th Century when ladies and gentlemen would gift each other tiny flower jewellery as a token of friendship and devotion. This trend is believed to have been brought to Paris by Venetian goldsmiths, hence the Italian name.
This particular ring is shaped as a branch-like design, set with seven rose-cut diamonds. Since each diamond was cut by hand, each is faceted a bit different from the next. All diamonds have been placed in open silver settings, allowing light to pass through the stones. The design is completed by a wave-like, a-symmetrical yellow gold shank, a feature typical for the era.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: US 6 / UK M / 52 mm.
This ring could be sized if desired.
Weight: 2.60 grams
Age: 18th Century, also known as the Georgian era, circa 1760s.
Material: Acid tested as 14k gold and silver.
Condition: In good antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with age. There is a small chip on the central diamond, and an old resizing mark on the back of the shank.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes only.