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 slitherers 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 curious creature looks like she's had a little work done over the many years - just beyond the trail of diamonds on her head, it appears that her original body has been lost to time, and a goldsmith crafted her new form, wrapped in a bypass style offering long, elegant finger coverage.

Good antique condition with wear in line with age and use, including evidence of past reshanking and repairs. c1900. Originally manufactured in the US but not USMCA-compliant and may incur duties or tariffs.

Details:
• 14k yellow gold, unstamped but tested
• Size 6.5ish (slightly out of round) and could be resized within two sizes
• Four old European cut diamonds approximately 0.30ct, two small single cut diamonds
• Face of ring measures 16.5mm wide, 15mm across, with a rise of 2mm; back of band measures 2.6mm wide and 1.6mm thick
• 4.1g