Victorian Diamond Snake Ring
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A superb antique snake ring, made in France circa 1870, and crafted in solid 18K gold. The serpent coils fluidly around the finger,The snake’s head is set with an antique squared old mine diamond of approximately 0.35 carats, often referred to in period descriptions as the snake’s diamond ‘brain’ due to its placement and softly domed, organic faceting. The stone is securely set and sits naturally within the head. The diamond is particularly bright and has a lovely clarity, gorgeous antique facets and a well sized open culet.Snake jewellery experienced a powerful revival during the Victorian period, particularly after Prince Albert presented Queen Victoria with a snake engagement ring set with an emerald, her birthstone. In the nineteenth century, the serpent was widely understood as a symbol of eternity, wisdom, renewal, and everlasting love; its circular form, without beginning or end, made it especially meaningful in romantic and commemorative jewellery. Such rings were worn by both men and women, and examples appear in portraiture of the period, including depictions of King George IV, see a portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence in the Wallace Collection.A closely related example is held in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, underscoring the historical and stylistic importance of this design within nineteenth-century jewellery.The ring bears a French control mark indicating 18K gold. It has a very pleasing weight of 8.81 grams and measures 8mm wide across at the back of the band. Ring size is UK J 1/2, US 5. Overall condition is very good, with light surface wear consistent with age and use, and no structural issues. This is without doubt one of the best snake rings we’ve handled.
Further reading: Is Victorian Jewellery Valuable? A Dealer's Guide to What It's Worth
A superb antique snake ring, made in France circa 1870, and crafted in solid 18K gold. The serpent coils fluidly around the finger,
The snake’s head is set with an antique squared old mine diamond of approximately 0.35 carats, often referred to in period descriptions as the snake’s diamond ‘brain’ due to its placement and softly domed, organic faceting. The stone is securely set and sits naturally within the head. The diamond is particularly bright and has a lovely clarity, gorgeous antique facets and a well sized open culet.
Snake jewellery experienced a powerful revival during the Victorian period, particularly after Prince Albert presented Queen Victoria with a snake engagement ring set with an emerald, her birthstone. In the nineteenth century, the serpent was widely understood as a symbol of eternity, wisdom, renewal, and everlasting love; its circular form, without beginning or end, made it especially meaningful in romantic and commemorative jewellery. Such rings were worn by both men and women, and examples appear in portraiture of the period, including depictions of King George IV, see a portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence in the Wallace Collection.
A closely related example is held in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, underscoring the historical and stylistic importance of this design within nineteenth-century jewellery.
The ring bears a French control mark indicating 18K gold. It has a very pleasing weight of 8.81 grams and measures 8mm wide across at the back of the band. Ring size is UK J 1/2, US 5. Overall condition is very good, with light surface wear consistent with age and use, and no structural issues. This is without doubt one of the best snake rings we’ve handled.
Further reading: Is Victorian Jewellery Valuable? A Dealer's Guide to What It's Worth
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