ABOUT:
I'm swooning for how special this one is!
Eighteenth century / 1700s giardinetti figural floral bracelet consisting of six large flower panels connecting by loops to encircle the wrist with a substantial antique statement.
Each flower is completely encrusted with natural flat cut rubies / pink sapphires and rose cut diamonds. (Pink sapphires and rubies are in the same corundum gem family with the only difference being based on the "pink hue" - and there is no agreement on where exactly to draw that line : ).
Each floral link holds seven pink stones (for that gorgeous pop of color) along with eight rose cut diamonds. The antique stones are free form in their cuts, some oval, some rhombus, all in cut down collet settings with closed foil backed settings. I love the varying hues to pink gems, as expected to find on an antique piece with multiple natural stones, combined with the soft sparkle of the rose cuts in a two tone setting.
It is crafted in silver and 14k gold. Each flower element is made in silver with the settings holding the rubies topped in rosy gold as it was customary for the period to set diamonds in a white metal and gems in gold. The silver floral panels are connected with 14k gold loops that extend from sturdy gold straps at the back. It has a sturdy hidden clasp also crafted in 14k gold. We know each floral element is antique, from the 1700s, but we suspect it was created into this bracelet at a later date. It was so expertly done, with the clasp masked by the bottom edge detail of one of the flower elements.
Highly collectible, sought after and always very valuable, "Giardinetti" jewelry (meaning "little garden") includes pieces in the shape of branches, bouquets or baskets of flowers. It originated in Italy and spread throughout Europe in the mid 18th Century. We most often see them as rings, so this is the first non-ring giardinetti piece I have been able to procure.
Certainly a one of a kind piece. It's really wonderful to wear with the antique sparkle of the diamonds and the pop of color to the large scale flower elements. So elegant and beautiful, and quite unique compared to what can be found on the market. I will always remember this piece but she can't be mine at this moment so she's looking for a good home.
The gold parts test at 14k, and the clasp is stamped with a later "585" stamp which is the numerical hallmarking system used in Europe for 14k gold.
Any props or Antique box not included. Please note the measurements as I have small hands and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures.
MEASUREMENTS:
It is about 7 1/4 inches stretched end to end, not including the tongue insert of the clasp which nests inside and does not add length. I have a 5 1/2 wrist and it is too large for me, I can slide it on and off without opening it.
It weighs a very sturdy 28.7 grams.
Each flower panel is 28x18mm, so a little over an inch long.
Each of the largest rubies at center of each flower is about 6mm give or take. The other stones measure 2.7 to 3.7mm. Exact depths of each are unknown as the bars have a closed back and I would never remove them for exact carat weight. Rose cut diamonds are quite spready, so it is difficult to speculate on carat weight when we can’t determine depth but it is well over half a carat in diamonds on each of the six panels so several carats worth of antique gems - certainly an impactful sparkle and color.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Sturdy, stable and ready to wear - as good of condition as we could expect for elements over 250 years old, it is not overly fragile. But it does have authentic signs of age. Quite a lot of warmth to gray from age to the foil back settings of the diamonds. Some of the diamonds are warmer in color to begin with as they came from mines during a period when most of the mines produced warmer rough diamonds. But they do not appear muddy nor lifeless, just a moodier sparkle typical for Georgian era pieces that were meant to be viewed fireside and by candlelight. Some natural inclusions typical for antique diamonds and natural rubies that are slightly eye visible. A few nibbles or a frosty flake of loss here or there but none of the stones are cracked or missing edges and they all have a nice sheen and polish so considering age, they are not heavily abraided or matte finished. Textbook antique cuts and freeform shapes. Some areas of dark patina in a few spots but no welds or repairs. It is beautiful to wear. So so special.
Please note that all my pieces are pre-owned and in estate condition. They will have patina, surface wear, a few small nicks. These pieces may also have evidence of a sizing, some build up around the stones and / or inclusions seen under magnification, typical for antique pieces. I have mentioned any noticeable issues above and they are all still wearable and eager to be loved and accepted for many years to come, (the preservation of antique jewelry, even those with signs of their age and history, is important to me. : )
But - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition. Pictures also serve as part of the description and condition report so please utilize the zoom feature which will magnify any wear significantly more than what is visible to the eye while wearing : )
Thanks so much for looking at my items!
SOCIAL:
Please feel free watch @mouseshouseantiques on Instagram for inventory drops, sneak peaks and previews! And check out my website www.MousesHouseAntiques.com as I can add more pics there so you can get extra looks : )
All items hand picked by me, one at a time from all over the world. All listings individually written by me, and not AI, after studying each piece to discuss its beauties and its ; ) eccentricities (which I am picky to point out).
Box #qm.1@42
