Gold giardinetti ring set with emeralds

Code: 11280

This is a rather charming Iberian gold giardinetti ring, dating to the 18th century. It is decorated with an openwork bezel in the form of a vase of flowers, set with emeralds in rubbed over collets. Flowers were a fashionable theme in jewellery during the second half of the 18th century. Intricate and colourful ‘giardinetti’ rings (from the Italian, meaning ‘little garden’) were popular. They had tiny blossoms set with an assortment of precious stones, asymmetrically arranged in a basket, vase or pot. This example, using only emeralds, comes from San Sebastian in Spain for further examples in the V&A see M.144-1937, 8550-1863 and  M.143-1937. 

OBJECT: Finger Ring

CULTURE: Baroque

DATE: 18th century A.D.

MATERIAL: Gold & Emeralds

RING SIZE:  10  (US)    T 1/2   (UK)

SIZE: 20.08mm x 20.87mm x 2.38mm (bezel 20.54mm x 19.13mm)

WEIGHT: 2.47 grams