Blackberry Ring

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Blackberry Ring

Artist Anna Bacchelli , active ca. 1938-1960 (Italian)

Place of OriginTurin, Italy

Date1940s

DimensionsOverall (same dimension for both rings): 1 1/4 x 13/16 in. (3.2 x 2.1 cm)

MediumGold, tourmalines and onyx

ClassificationMetalwork

Credit LineGift of Rhoda L. and Roger M. Berkowitz in honor of Rita Barbour Kern

Object number

2003.14B

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 34, Jewelry Gallery

DescriptionTwo 18kt. yellow gold rings designed to depict an unripe and a ripe blackberry. One is bead set with cabochon pink tourmalines, the other with black onyx. Each has the same foliate design setting and is contoured for each to fit snugly against the other.

Label TextAnna Bacchelli founded her firm Orisa Bacchelli in her native Turin, Italy, producing complex jewelry mostly inspired by nature. During World War II she continued creating for her private clientele despite the ban on the use of precious metals. She also worked for jewelry firms Buccellati and Van Cleef & Arpels during this period. In 1952, she sold her business to Roman boutique owner Mario Fasano and moved to Great Britain. Her works, which are usually not signed, are great rarities. This pair of rings of bombé (domed) design was intended to be worn on the same finger. The matching set with cabochon rubies and black onyx, respectively, represent a ripe and an unripe blackberry. Each ring has the same foliate setting and is contoured so that one fits snuggly against the otherPublished ReferencesTennenbaum, Suzanne and Janet Zapata, Jeweled Garden: A Colorful History of Gems, Jewels, and Nature, New York, Vendome, 2006, repr. p. 112 (col.).