A popular motif in Victorian jewellery, the snake symbolises fidelity, eternity and rebirth. Often occurring in rings, bracelets and pins, even Queen Victoria's engagement ring from Prince Albert featured an emerald-set snake! This beautiful gold and rose cut diamond eyed snake ring dates from this very same era.
The ring is made of 15ct gold, with British hallmarks inside the ring for 15ct gold, Birmingham and the date letter 'e' for 1879. The body of the snake forms the shank which wraps around the finger several times. There is detail to the snake's head of a mouth, giving it a rather sweet expression, and two glinting rose cut diamond eyes that catch the light beautifully with a lovely smokey grey colour.
The ring weighs approx 5.85g. The front of the ring including the head measures approx 11.1mm wide. At the back of the ring the width measures approx 7.3mm wide.
Ring size - the ring measures up at approx a US 8 / approx UK P 1/2 on a ring mandrel but due to the ring's width it does wear smaller than this.
Condition - The ring is in good antique condition given its age (the ring is 146 years old) but does show signs of age and wear. There is some surface wear and marks to the gold, including light surface scratches. There does look to be an old resize line inside the ring's shank to the back. This is visible to the outside through a smoothing of the snake's body as it wraps around and also in a faint change of tone to the gold's colouring. Please see photos for more detail.
*Please note the antique box and gold pinky ring pictured are not included in the sale but the ring will be shipped in a new presentation box and pouch*
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Antique Victorian 1879 15ct gold and rose cut diamond eyed 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.