Representing an eternal love, the snake design has been seen in jewellery going as far back as Roman times, and indeed Prince Albert presented to Queen Victoria an engagement ring in the form of a snake, and as she was so influential in fashion, this caused a massive resurgence in the popularity of the snake, or serpent design in jewellery during her reign.
This one was made in 18 carat yellow gold in the 1890's and has such a lovely smooth and tactile feel to it that is highlighted by the two single cut diamonds in the eyes, and three along its body. These diamonds total 0.12 carats and sparkle so beautifully with the added charm of being genuine antique cut diamonds.
The ring measures 9.5mm wide at the top and tapers down to 4.3mm wide at the back, and with such a smooth feel to it, this ring will suit any finger and work perfectly sitting along side modern jewellery as well as other antique pieces.
This is a wonderful example of antique jewellery that is steeped in history and will always be such a wonderful conversation stater.
Stock# ET807
Circa: 1890
$Sold.
Out of stock
Victorian antique snake ring.
Victorian antique snake ring set with diamonds
What does snake jewellery represent?
For centuries, the snake has represented wisdom and eternal love. Representing an eternal love, this romantic style has been seen throughout the ages, and goes back to Roman times. Because of its association with love, it was often seen in Georgian and Victorian jewellery. Indeed Queen Victoria's own engagement ring was a snake ring set with rubies, emeralds and diamonds. This entwined double antique snake ring was made in 18 carat yellow gold and set with two European cut diamonds. Made by hand, it has such a smooth and tactile feel to it.
This antique snake ring is set with single cut diamonds.
What are single cut diamonds?
What are single cut diamonds?
There is another important cut of diamond that is often found in antique jewellery, which is the single cut diamond. These are small diamonds usually around 0.01 carats to 0.05 carats in size. These are often found on the shoulders of rings or surrounding a centre stone for example. While today modern technology will allow for a 0.01 carat diamond to have 58 facets and be a round brilliant cut diamond, single cut diamonds were used from the later part of the 19th Century up until around the 1930’s-1940’s. Commonly found with eight facets on the top (the crown) and eight facets on the bottom (the pavilion) these are sometimes found with total facets between 16 to 18.
Click here to see more antique rings that are currently in store:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/antique/antique-rings-antique/
A link to the beautiful Victoria & Albert museum in London:
