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.
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 particular bouquet of flowers is set in a charming basket of gold wire work. The silver flowers and branches are set with two emeralds, two rubies, and fourteen rose-cut diamonds of various sizes.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: US 8.5, UK Q 1/2, circumference 58 mm.
The front setting measures 18 x 13 mm.
This ring could be resized if desired.
Weight: 3.27 grams
Age: 19th Century, also known as the Victorian era, Circa 1850s.
Material: The ring carries a restamped hallmark for 18k gold, and a French crab hallmark for 800/1000 silver, which was used in Paris after 1838.
Condition: In good antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with its age.
Read more about how to take care of rose-cut diamond jewellery here.