Beguiling Victorian Snake Ring

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, 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, finding this beautifully modelled version circa 1873.

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 particular little fella features a broad, coiling body, a smooth skin, sunken eyes and, I swear, the hint of a smirk on his parted lips. For a relatively minimalist styling, this snake packs in a lot of character.

Details:
• 15k yellow gold, with nearly full British Hallmarks for what appears to be London (assay office stamp is very worn), 1873, makers mark GHGR
• Size 5 snug (due to width), can be resized within reason (with evidence of past resizing visible inside the band)
• Rise off finger is 3mm, widest section is 9.3mm, back of band is 4.3mm wide and 0.7mm thick
• 3.2g