Ring
1880-1910 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This ring was described as 18th-century Italian when it was given to the Museum in 1912.
Filigree, or decorative wire work, had been a speciality of Italy since the Middle Ages. By the 19th century it had become a major industry, producing vast quantities of souvenirs for visitors as well as traditional jewellery and religious products for the local population.
The gold mark on this ring does not seem to be Italian, and it may have been made in Malta, which had an equally strong filigree industry using the same kind of designs as in Italy. It was probably intended for a foreign buyer, as it is not typical of the kind worn with traditional costume in the region.
Filigree, or decorative wire work, had been a speciality of Italy since the Middle Ages. By the 19th century it had become a major industry, producing vast quantities of souvenirs for visitors as well as traditional jewellery and religious products for the local population.
The gold mark on this ring does not seem to be Italian, and it may have been made in Malta, which had an equally strong filigree industry using the same kind of designs as in Italy. It was probably intended for a foreign buyer, as it is not typical of the kind worn with traditional costume in the region.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Gold filigree |
Brief description | Gold filigree ring with a rosette bezel, Malta, 1880-1910. |
Physical description | Gold filigree ring, consisting of a band of wires laid side by side, with a twisted wire next to each edge. The bezel is an open filigree rosette, slightly curved, attached to the front of the band, with a coil ring on each side on the shoulders. The rosette has a coil ring in the centre and is embellished with granules. |
Dimensions |
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Summary | This ring was described as 18th-century Italian when it was given to the Museum in 1912. Filigree, or decorative wire work, had been a speciality of Italy since the Middle Ages. By the 19th century it had become a major industry, producing vast quantities of souvenirs for visitors as well as traditional jewellery and religious products for the local population. The gold mark on this ring does not seem to be Italian, and it may have been made in Malta, which had an equally strong filigree industry using the same kind of designs as in Italy. It was probably intended for a foreign buyer, as it is not typical of the kind worn with traditional costume in the region. |
Collection | |
Accession number | M.13-1912 |
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Record created | June 24, 2009 |
Record URL |
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