Antique 18th Century Italian Ruby & Spinel "Fiocco" Bow Ring - Size 8.5

A rare c.1750 Sicilian "Fiocco" ring, meaning "bow".  Gorgeous table cut rubies and spinel have been rub-over set into foiled and closed back settings. The large central stone flanked by 3 stones on each side to create the bow shape.

The Baroque era originated in Italy, its influence quickly spread across Europe and it became the first visual style to have a significant worldwide impact. Bows became a popular element of fashion during this era. This style of ring was crafted in Italy from the mid-1600s to roughly 1800.  They were originally gifted as engagement or wedding rings. The earliest examples feature scalloped, enamelled backs. The notched detail along the bezel edge is a common feature among many Southern European jewels, including Spanish and Portuguese. The Iberian influence on Southern Italian jewelry design, particularly in Sicily, Sardinia and Campania, can be explained by the multiple centuries of Spanish Aragonese, Habsburg and Bourbon rule of the area. While regional or design variations resulted in different bezel styles, gem stones or cuts, the seven-stone arrangement of the bow ring remained unchanged for over a century.

Similar examples of this ring style can be found in the Collection of the Museo d'Arte Sacra Basilica Santa Maria Assunta in Alcamo, Sicily.  See photos 7 and 8.