Antique Italian A Fiocco Bow Ring with Green Foiled Rock Crystal and Table-Cut Garnets in 18k Gold c. 1750, Iberian, Sicilian, Engagement

A scarce mid-18th century antique Italian ring from Sicily, modeled as a bow or "a fiocco," and crafted of 18k yellow gold. It features a centrally set, large table cut rock crystal foiled a verdant, almost uranium green; flanked on either side by a trio of dark, rectangular, table-cut garnets that glitter with every motion and change of light. These six garnets add more of a reflective, darkly glowing effect rather than a colorful one, due to their deep blood-red color and their mirror-flash, flat-cut surfaces. While the gemstones are softly set in rub over collet settings, the wide, symmetrical bezel in which they have been placed exhibits a border of densely scored marks along its perimeter. The structural, sculpted, almost architectural shoulders at first bifurcate, but give way to an unadorned sturdy wide shank. There are two faded and indecipherable hallmarks to the shanks' outside, more than likely a maker's mark and a symbol of the town in which it was manufactured. A mysterious detail found in this piece, and other similar examples, are the roman numerals one can find inscribed on the shank's interior. In this case, the numerals reads "XIIII," however they vary from piece to piece, and their original intention has unfortunately lost to time. Originally intended and produced as a wedding or engagement ring.

While the color combination of dark red garnets and a bright green foiled rock crystal in this mid 18th century Italian betrothal or marriage ring may not seem exceptionally romantic or amorous to our modern sensibilities, — instead perhaps conjuring festive or christmas time imagery; the pairing makes perfect sense once understood through a historical lens both rubies and emeralds were stones associated with and representative of with love. A beautiful, tactile expression of love and a tangible connection to the past. In very good antique condition with wear commensurate with age. It is an 8.5 in size. 
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Products sold as is. The majority of my items are antiques which means they are at least 100 years old and have lived many lives. The rest of my pieces are vintage, pre-worn and pre-loved, unless otherwise noted. Please examine pictures closely as they are part of the description.

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