We love snake jewellery and couldn't help but be drawn to this antique gold, turquoise and seed pearl snake ring. Snakes are said to represent eternal love and were a very popular symbol during the Victorian era, thanks to Queen Victoria having a snake ring as her engagement ring! And more than 120 years on from her reign, snake rings are still very popular today and highly collectable.
We love the way this snake's body wraps around itself to form the ring, looking almost like an eternal circle. The two ends of the snake don't join so the ring can fit a wider range of sizes as it can be opened or closed slightly.
The ring is made of 9ct gold (unhallmarked but tested) which has a lovely warm rose tone to it. The snake also has two seed pearl eyes and a turquoise set atop its head too.
As the ring isn't hallmarked, it does make it slightly harder to date exactly but given its style, lack of hallmarks and the gemstones used, we think it likely dates to circa 1900.
The ring weighs approx 2.35g and the snake's head is approx 6.3mm wide and the ring's shank is approx 2.9mm wide at the back of the ring.
Ring size - approx a US 7 3/4 / approx a UK P . As the snake's head and tail do not connect, the ring band is actually open meaning the ring can be sized slightly up or down with carfeul movement or it can be taken to a jewellers to size.
Condition - The ring is in good antique condition but does show some signs of age and wear, including light surface wear to the gold, seed pearls and turquoise. There are some slight marks to the gold, particularly to the snake's head and there is also a colour change mark to the gold where the snake's head joins its body. The gold is yellower in colour here to both the front and inside of the ring. Please see photos.
*Please note the antique box pictured is not included in the sale but the ring will be shipped in a new presentation ring box and pouch*
.
Antique 9ct gold turquoise and seed pearl snake ring
All items are carefully wrapped and packaged in a gift pouch and box. In the UK, we always post items via Royal Mail's Special Delivery service which is fully tracked and insured. For international items, orders up to £300 are sent via Royal Mail's international tracked (and signed for where applicable) service and orders over £300 are sent via DHL Express.