Giardinetto-Brosche mit Diamanten und Smaragden

A Diamond and Emerald set Giardinetto Brooch
France, 3rd quarter of the 18th century

14K gold (585/-) and silver. 38 diamonds in various old cuts, altogether circa 1.20 carats. 7 rectangular step-cut and pear-shaped emeralds, altogether circa 0.40 carat. The brooch fastening is later.
Circa 3.3 x 4 cm. Circa 8 g.

This brooch is a fine example of Giardinetto jewellery. Giardinetto which literally means "small garden" in Italian is a style of jewellery which often takes the form of small bunches of flowers and bouquets set with colourful gemstones and diamonds. Whilst Giardinetto rings have survived in larger numbers, Giardinetto brooches are a great rarity.