-
A rare and coveted Spanish early 18th century gold ring of foliate design, circa 1710.
This stunning diamond cluster ring is a very early example of a ‘giardinetti’ ring (meaning ‘little garden’ in Italian). Rings of this type were in fashion throughout Europe by the mid-18th century and were charming love tokens exchanged between couples or friends. Despite the Italian namesake, there’s no evidence to suggest an Italian design origin. Unlike most giardinetti rings that came after it, this unusual and early example presents a symmetrical arrangement, with all the diamonds being set in gold, rather than silver - a feature typical of Spanish jewellery.
Interestingly, a similar collection of Spanish diamond rings can be found in the Met Museum in New York. The collection of rings is titled ‘Nine Diamond Rings from a Convent’, and they all date from between the late 17th to early 18th centuries (accession Number: L.2015.72.18a-i). Please see final image for references.
The ring is intricately crafted in high-karat gold, and the bezel attaches to a band with trifurcated shoulders. Despite the gold band being a historic replacement, the ring has survived the past 300 years in great condition. All the diamonds are original and securely set.
These rare floral-themed jewels reflect the 18th century taste for swirling designs, inspired by the newfound fascination with botany and horticulture that began a century earlier.
UK size O, US size 7.25
The ring weighs 1.51 grams, it is unmarked but tests as 22K gold. The diamond-set bezel measures 16mm x 13mm, whilst the gold band measures 2mm across.
A rare and coveted Spanish early 18th century gold ring of foliate design, circa 1710.
This stunning diamond cluster ring is a very early example of a ‘giardinetti’ ring (meaning ‘little garden’ in Italian). Rings of this type were in fashion throughout Europe by the mid-18th century and were charming love tokens exchanged between couples or friends. Despite the Italian namesake, there’s no evidence to suggest an Italian design origin. Unlike most giardinetti rings that came after it, this unusual and early example presents a symmetrical arrangement, with all the diamonds being set in gold, rather than silver - a feature typical of Spanish jewellery.
Interestingly, a similar collection of Spanish diamond rings can be found in the Met Museum in New York. The collection of rings is titled ‘Nine Diamond Rings from a Convent’, and they all date from between the late 17th to early 18th centuries (accession Number: L.2015.72.18a-i). Please see final image for references.
The ring is intricately crafted in high-karat gold, and the bezel attaches to a band with trifurcated shoulders. Despite the gold band being a historic replacement, the ring has survived the past 300 years in great condition. All the diamonds are original and securely set.
These rare floral-themed jewels reflect the 18th century taste for swirling designs, inspired by the newfound fascination with botany and horticulture that began a century earlier.
UK size O, US size 7.25
The ring weighs 1.51 grams, it is unmarked but tests as 22K gold. The diamond-set bezel measures 16mm x 13mm, whilst the gold band measures 2mm across.
OUR PROMISE
We will always guarantee the authenticity of every piece we sell
We offer a no questions asked 30-day return policy on all orders
All our items are sent boxed and gift wrapped with free global insured shipping
We examine, describe and photograph all our jewellery with the utmost care
