This enchanting 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 gentleman would gift each other tiny flower jewellery as a token of friendship and devotion. This trend is believed to have brought to Paris by Venetian goldsmiths, hence the Italian name.
Giardinetti's were often made as rings but are also known as brooches or earrings. Some would be set solely with diamonds, but the more exuberant examples, such as this ring, would be set with a colourful variety of gemstones, thereby truly emulating nature.
This Giardinetti has been delicately crafted from 18k yellow gold and silver and is set with an oval-cut yellow tourmaline in its centre. The petals and leaves are further set with a variety of emeralds, rubies, garnets, yellow topaz, rose-cut diamonds and a sapphire.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: US 7.5 / UK P / circumference 56 mm.
The front setting measures 15 x 15 mm / 0.60 x 0.60 inch.
This ring could be resized if desired.
Weight: 2 grams
Age: Late 18th Century, Georgian Era, Circa 1780s.
Material: The ring no longer carries any hallmarks but has been acid tested as being 18k gold and silver.
Condition: This ring is in good antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with its age. I believe that the ring shank is a later replacement - based on its design, likely one made in the early 19th Century. I also believe one emerald and a rose-cut diamond to have been replaced at some point in its past.
Read more about how to take care of rose-cut diamond jewellery here.