c. 1750-60 Rococo Giardinetti Ring

A c. 1750-60 giardinetti ring in the form of a small flower bouquet, featuring rose cut diamonds set in silver-topped 18k yellow gold, the shank carved with typically Rococo foliate scrollwork. A similar ring is in the Alice and Louis Koch collection (cat. 925, “Rings: The Alice and Louis Koch Collection” by Anna Beatriz Chadour). Two other giardinetti rings in the Koch collection have similar shoulder and shank designs (cat. 928 and 933). Fondly named giardinetti (plural) or giardinetto (singular), Italian for “little garden(s)”, rings of this type were widespread throughout Europe by the mid-18th century. At least two period design drawings survive: one from the Parisian jeweler, J. H. Pouget (Traite des Pierres Precieuses), dated 1762; and a set from the London jeweler, Christian Taute, dated 1750. Sources of inspiration can be traced to the fascination with botany and popular horticulture that began in the 17th century. Growing interest in the cultivation and study of plants produced an abundance of botanical engravings, which provided artistic inspiration for the various floral-themed textiles, paintings, marquetry, wallpaper, and various decorative arts produced during this period. In jewelry, giardinetti-type designs can be found in rings, brooches, and hair ornaments.
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