Masterpiece of the Week: A Giardinetti Ring, 1730-60

Giardinetti Ring
Rubies, Diamonds, Emeralds, Gold, Silver
1730-1760
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Jewelry design of the early to mid Eighteen Century, especially in France and England, often featured floral designs known as “giardinetti” (little gardens). Rings set with bejeweled blossoms were quite the fashion.


This darling ring of rubies, rose-cut diamonds and emeralds set in silver and gold is a perfect example of the “giardinetti” rings. Made between 1730-1760, this ring is the epitome of Eighteenth-Century English design.