This scarce Sicilian gold cluster ring dates from the late 18th to early 19th century. Known regionally as ‘a fiocco’ rings (bow rings), these traditional pieces were originally gifted as engagement or wedding rings.

This particular example is set with a large central foil-backed red paste surrounded on each side by three smaller pastes in conical, closed-back collet settings. The gold mount is crudely engraved with crosshatched decoration. The ring carries a set of two Italian hallmarks on the outer band towards the back of the ring.

Rings of this type were popular in Italy from the mid 17th century up to the mid 19th century, with the earliest examples featuring enamelled and scalloped backs. Several similar examples of this type of ring can be found in the collection of the Museo d’Arte Sacra Basilica Santa Maria Assunta which is located in the Sicilian town of Alcamo, please see our final photo for reference.

Like many traditional Sicilian rings, the design appears to have some Iberian influence, as the region had been controlled by Habsburg Spain during the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as the Spanish Bourbon dynasty during the 18th century.

Despite its impressive age the ring is in great condition, and has never been resized or altered.

UK size R 1/2, US size 8.75

2.98g, tests as 14K gold

Central stone has a diameter of 7mm, whilst the smaller stones have a 2.5mm diameter on their longest axes.