Antique Snake Ring with Old Cut Diamond

This is a fabulous antique coiled snake ring set with a lovely cushion old cut diamond to the head of approximately 8-10pts.

The band is fully hallmarked for 18ct gold and assayed in Birmingham, 1914.

Size Q (UK) / 8 (US).
Weight: 3.6g

SNAKE RINGS

The depiction of snakes in jewellery, and in particular rings, has been a familiar refrain throughout history from ancient times to modern. Snakes appear in many mythological and biblical stories (from Creation through to immortality and health - the Greek god of medicine, Asklepios, is usually depicted with a snake) and these provided a rich source of inspiration for jewellers.

In the Victorian era, the snake ring really hit its height when Queen Victoria opted for a snake ring to symbolise her engagement to Prince Albert. Snake rings from this era and the years following are often set with precious gems either to the neck, the back of the head or in place of the snake’s eyes; indeed Queen Victoria’s ring was beset with rubies, diamonds and emerald!

In more recent times, many of the most famous maisons bijouterie have designed snake rings - perhaps the most recognisable modern designs come from Bulgari but Cartier, Boucheron and many others have all created variations on the theme.

ABOUT OUR JEWELLERY

This piece has been specifically selected by us, for you. We choose vintage and antique items which we think are beautiful, elegant and classic at a range of price points between £30 and £3,000.

Generally, this means we only ever have one of each piece. We don’t select pieces which are “mass market” but rather items which are more individual. This means that once an item has been purchased, it really has gone.

Each piece comes in an attractive jewellery presentation box.