ry of life,
and the poorest will wear it in profusion, though only made of copper,
greater scope was given to invention. Fig. 185 is a Spanish silver ring
of the early part of the century. In its centre it has a heart, winged
and crowned; the heart is transfixed by an arrow, but surrounded by
flowers. It is possibly a religious emblem. Fig. 186 is another Spanish
ring of more modern manufacture, but of very light and elegant design.
The flowers are formed of rubies and diamonds, and the effect is
extremely pleasing.

[Illustration: Fig. 187.]

[Illustration: Fig. 188.]

Such works may have originated the "giardinetti" rings, of which a good
collection of specimens may be seen in the South Kensington Museum, two
being here copied in Figs. 187 and 188. They are there described as
English works of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and appear to
have been used as guards, or "keepers," to the wedding-ring. They are of
pleasing floriated design, and of very delicate execution. Much taste
may be exhibited in the selection of coloured stones for the flowers of
such rings, which are certainly a great ornament to the hand.

[Illustration: Fig. 189.]

[Illustration: Figs. 190 and 191.]

Recurring to the Eastern nations, in whose eyes jewellery has always
found great favour, we find that the Indians prefer rings with large
floriated faces, spreading over three fingers like a shield. When made
for the wealthy in massive gold, the flower leaves are of cut jewels,
but the humbler classes, who equally love display, are content with them
in cast silver. Such a ring is engraved, Fig. 189, from an original in
the British Museum, from whence we also obtain the two specimens of
rings beside it, being such as are worn by the humblest classes. Fig.
190 is of brass, Fig. 191 of silver, the latter boasting a sort of
apology for a jewelled centre.

[Illustration: Fig. 192.]

[Illustration: Figs. 193 and 194.]

A triplicate of Moorish rings will enable us to understand their
peculiarities. Fig. 192 has a large circular face, composed of a cluster
of small bosses, set with five circular turquoise, and four rubies; the
centre being a turquoise, with a ruby and turquoise alternating round
it. The ring is of silver. It is in the Londesborough collection, as
also is Fig. 193, another silver ring set with an octangular bloodstone,
with a circular turquoise on each side. Fig. 194 is a signet ring,
bearing the name of its original own