The Story Behind Serpent, Bow, and Giardinetti Motifs
Nov 27, 2025
by Suzanne Sachs — 5 min read
THE BASICS --
Vintage diamond rings and antique jewelry are rich with meaning, especially when it comes to figural motifs like the Serpent, the Bow, and the Giardinetti. Beyond their beauty, these designs carry layers of symbolism and craftsmanship that make each piece deeply personal and historically significant. Explore the meaning behind these iconic motifs to see which one resonates most with your style and story.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--
In this guide, we will explain the following:
- Serpents of the Victorian Era
- Bows and Going Beyond Brooches
- Bouquets of Symbolism in Giardinetti Designs
- Which Design is Best For You?
Serpents of the Victorian Era
Serpents and snakes have been popular for centuries. Not only were they symbols of wisdom, renewal, and endurance in ancient Greece and Rome, but the sacred cobras of ancient Egypt connected serpents to the divine. With Queen Victoria’s influence, serpents reached their peak popularity starting in the mid-1830s. In 1840, Prince Albert presented Queen Victoria with a serpent engagement ring in 18-karat yellow gold, adorned with emeralds, rubies, and diamonds.
A further revival of these ssssstunning designs happened in the 1960s, ensuring there are many vintage options as well as antique serpent rings available for anyone interested in these beautiful designs today.
Bows and Going Beyond Brooches
Bows are another stunning jewelry motif, often seen in pins and brooches but also available in rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets. Popular during different fashion eras, bows were a great feature of the Baroque period in the 1600s. More lace-like, openwork bows were most popular during the Edwardian era in the early 1900s as machine techniques improved and permitted more elaborate details. Bows even figured prominently in many Art Deco designs of the 1920s and 1930s, combining precise geometry with nostalgic romanticism.
More than just a romantic symbol, however, bows actually have many different meanings in jewelry design. Along with feminine connotations, bows can represent ties to the past and remembrance of loved ones, as well as devotion, protection, and joy.
Bouquets of Symbolism in Giardinetti Designs
Giardinetti designs have been popular in jewelry for centuries. These floral designs – literally “little garden” – have been featured in rings, brooches, earrings, pendants, hair combs, and more. Floral motifs can range from abstract flower-like clusters and diamond shapes used to imitate leaves, or can be much bolder with precise detail and varied gems creating a riot of botanical color. The flowers might be loose, twined in a metalwork vine, or filling a basket or vase.
Floral designs first gained popularity through the 1600s and 1700s when horticulture was in its heyday of discovery. The late 1700s, in particular, was a prime period for floral motifs in jewelry, fashion, and other décor. Giardinetti designs had another resurgence of popularity in the early 1920s as well.
Regardless of era, these designs are rich with symbolism. Not only can the chosen gemstones showcase the symbolism of colors and birthstones, but the floral designs can convey various meanings through floriography, the language of flowers. From the passion of roses to the purity of daisies to the loyalty of sunflowers, each bloom can add another layer of meaning to a single piece of jewelry.
Which Design Is Best for You?
Understanding the origins of these iconic motifs can help you choose a design that best suits not only your jewelry preferences, but also conveys the rich meaning and symbolism that has stood the test of time. Whether you are choosing a vintage engagement ring, and antique wedding ring, or any other piece of jewelry, those added layers of meaning and symbolism can make the piece even more significant in the years to come.
Suzanne Sachs
Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you — your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.
Press Love:
Contact Suzanne
If you love vintage jewelry please feel free to contact Suzanne or browse our collection of vintage engagement rings.
