1940–1949
Sterling silver, glass
Flower basket jewelry, sometimes referred to as gardinetto or giardinetti (Italian for “little garden”), was fashionable in the 18th century and has witnessed continued revivals ever since. Popular as rings, pendants, and brooches, these ornaments feature a bouquet of flowers in a vase or basket. The expressive jewels allow designers to play with scale and color. This “costume” jewelry version is made of inexpensive materials, but the large slab of blue glass is beautifully cut to look like a costly gemstone from which a colorful spray of blue and pinkish-purple blossoms with “diamond” leaves emerge.
Gift of Carole Tanenbaum
2018.4140