A superb antique late Victorian snake ring. The coiled gold body of the snake delicately wraps around a turquoise ‘egg’ in the centre. The head of the snake is decorated with diamond eyes and the ring is crafted in 22K gold.

Snake jewellery, with its sinuous beauty and timeless mystique, has been a symbol of fascination and intrigue for centuries. However the snake motif had a strong resurgence in Victorian and Edwardian jewellery ever since Prince Albert bought Queen Victoria a snake engagement ring with an emerald (her birthstone) embedded into it. The Victorians associated the snake motif with eternal love and it has been a popular ever since.

The mythological symbol of a snake wrapped around an egg (also known as the ‘cosmic’ egg) can be found in the cosmogonies of many cultures and civilisations across the world. Typically, there is an egg which, upon "hatching", either gives rise to the universe itself or gives rise to a primordial being who, in turn, creates the universe. Typically, the upper half of the egg, or its outer shell, becomes the heaven and the lower half, or the inner yolk, becomes the Earth. See final photo for a diagram from Jacob Bryant's ‘Orphic Egg’ (1774).

Condition: When shaken, there is a very faint rattling sound from the setting, which could be tightened in seconds by any local jeweller, if desired. The turquoise stone is still very secure in its mount and the ring remains in great overall condition despite its significant age.

Measurements: UK size P 1/2, US size 7.75

The ring weighs 6.66 grams and the ring measures 3mm across at the back. The bezel measures 18mm north to south. The inner band is stamped with antique British hallmarks for the year 1892. The hallmarks of the ring suggest that it was possibly crafted from two existing wedding bands, as a type of sentimental jewel. The turquoise egg measures 14mm by 7mm.

The Victorian era was a period of great change and innovation in the world of jewellery. Spanning from 1837 to 1901, the era witnessed an explosion of styles from romantic and sentimental to Gothic and grotesque. The use of jet, onyx, and coral in mourning jewellery became popular after the death of Prince Albert in 1861. The discovery of diamond mines in South Africa in 1867 led to an increase in the use of diamonds in jewellery, as well as the popularity of more elaborate gemstone cuts such as the cushion, rose, and old mine cuts.

Victorian jewellery was also notable for its use of complex symbolism, such as snake motifs that represented eternal love or the use of flowers to convey hidden meanings. The jewellery made in this era featured the finest materials and was made by highly skilled craftsmen, making it some of the most desirable antique jewellery for its unique charm and fine quality.

DELIVERY

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For UK delivery, we send with Royal Mail Special Delivery, arriving by the next working day. For International orders over £1000 we use DHL Express International, and for orders under £1000 we use Royal Mail International Tracked and Signed. All items are sent fully insured.

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RETURNS

We understand that purchasing antique jewellery online can be a daunting task, which is why we offer an easy, no-hassle returns policy. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, simply get in touch within 14 days of receipt for a full refund, no questions asked. We want our customers to feel confident when buying from us, and our returns policy is just one way we ensure this.

Conditions: Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. All items are to be returned in their original condition and packaging. Buyer damaged items and items bought on layaway are ineligible for returns. Items over £2500 can be returned for store credit only.

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