The snake is one of the oldest motifs in jewelry history - from the ancient Egytian ouroboros to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's 1839 engagement, the snake was used to represent life and death, rebirth, passion, protection, and power. Victoria and Albert's choice of an emerald-set snake as an engagement ring set off a widespread surge in popularity that lasted through her reign, leaving us with a trove of golden ophidia hailing from the second half of the 19th century.

The sinewy body of the serpent has provided jewelry designers with great freedom of expression; iterations range from loose interpretations in form to hyperrealistic reptilia. This little darling was once decorated with a full body of cross-hatched scales, burnished smooth from time and regular wear.

Good antique condition with wear in line with age and use, including evidence of past resizing and wear to engraved detail.

Details:
• 10k yellow gold, stamped and tested
• Size 6 1/4 and do not recommend resizing
• One old European cut diamonds approximately 0.02ct
• Face of ring measures 9.8mm at widest, with a rise of 2.3mm; back of band measures 2.9mm wide at narrowest and 0.6mm thick
• 3g