French little garden “Giardinetti” ring c.1810

This exquisite little garden ring (Giardinetti ring) is from France, dating back to the 1810s. It is crafted in 18k solid gold and silver, set with diamonds, rubies, red spinels and green pastes. (Tested by Raman Spectrometer)

"Giardinetti" means "little garden" in Italian. Its origins can be traced back to the 17th century, when interest in science and botany was on the rise. This trend was also reflected in jewelry design. By the mid-18th century, Giardinetti jewelry became widely popular across Europe, with France, England, and other countries developing their unique styles. In France, Giardinetti jewelry was influenced by the Rococo style and echoed the floral embroidery popular on gowns from the 1740s to the 1780s.

These pieces often appeared as brooches or rings, featuring designs like "bouquets," "vases," and "flower baskets," and were adorned with colorful gemstones or pastes to represent the vibrant hues of flowers. They were also commonly exchanged as tokens of love between lovers and friends.

The ring is designed as a lush flower basket, with a rich floral outline and a woven basket that also resembles a cute, hot air balloon. Tulip designs extend from the basket to the ring band, continuing into soft, curling leaf shapes.

 The back of the basket is also intricately detailed, with simple line patterns depicting flowers on the base, creating a handmade, beautifully vibrant little garden ring.

The piece is in good antique condition, with normal oxidation and signs of wear. As the assessment of the condition is highly subjective, please click and enlarge our photos to view more details for your judgment.