This charming 18k rose gold ring has a kite-shaped front that is decorated with green enamel and a silver appliqué of a flower bouquet, studded with rose-cut diamonds. The border of the setting is encrusted with a row of rose-cut diamonds. The shoulders of the shank are decorated with two engraved flower baskets.
All diamonds have been placed in silver settings, while the ring is made from 18k gold. Traditionally, rose-cut diamonds were set in silver to optimise their colour and brilliance, while the gold shank and back added sturdiness and prevented the silver from potentially staining your clothing or skin.
Rings with decorations of tiny flower baskets became popular in the 18th Century and were known as 'Giardinetti', which means tiny garden in Italian. This trend is believed to have been brought to Paris by Venetian goldsmiths, hence the Italian name. It is a remnant of a major trend 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.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: wears as a US 6, UK M, circumference 52 mm.
The front setting measures 36 x 19 mm.
This ring could be resized if desired.
Weight: 9.55 grams
Age: Late 18th Century, circa 1760s.
Material: Hallmarked with French import marks for 18k gold and 800/1000 silver.
Condition: In good antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with age. The green enamel is still in good condition with only a minor scuff in the top left corner. The back of the shank was originally engraved too, but most of this has rubbed away over time.
Please note that the antique box is for display purposes. This shop is based in the EU. Although antiques are exempt from taxes in most countries, buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import duties.