Ring
1750-60 (designed and made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The taste for naturalism of the eighteenth century was expressed through jewellery in the form of flowers, insects and leafy sprays. 'Giardinetti' or 'flower-pot' rings with bezels formed like bunches or pots of flowers were an elegant and fashionable choice. These delicate rococo arrangements of stones were a suitable complement to the floral patterns of silk dresses. The graceful combination of gemstones in an openwork setting created attractive rings using relatively small stones.
The unusually small hoop of this ring suggests that it was worn on the little finger or perhaps made for a young girl.
The unusually small hoop of this ring suggests that it was worn on the little finger or perhaps made for a young girl.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Gold set with rose-cut diamonds and a step-cut emerald. |
| Brief description | Giardinetto ring set with rose-cut diamonds and a square emerald. Western Europe, circa 1750-60. |
| Physical description | Small gold hoop supporting a bezel formed of gold scrolls of foliage in which are set four rose-cut diamonds and a step-cut emerald, all in gold rub-over, closed back settings. A resinous, brownish material has been painted on the back of the diamonds. This may be the deterioration product of a black backing painted behind the diamonds to increase their sparkle. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | Unmarked |
| Credit line | Given by the American Friends of the V&A through the generosity of Patricia V. Goldstein |
| Object history | Gemstones checked by Joanna Whalley, Metalworks conservator, February 2012. |
| Summary | The taste for naturalism of the eighteenth century was expressed through jewellery in the form of flowers, insects and leafy sprays. 'Giardinetti' or 'flower-pot' rings with bezels formed like bunches or pots of flowers were an elegant and fashionable choice. These delicate rococo arrangements of stones were a suitable complement to the floral patterns of silk dresses. The graceful combination of gemstones in an openwork setting created attractive rings using relatively small stones. The unusually small hoop of this ring suggests that it was worn on the little finger or perhaps made for a young girl. |
| Other numbers |
|
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.55-2011 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSON
