Bold Antique Twin 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, 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 devilish duo are a little rugged, and have undergone a full reshank, their original bodies in the band nipped just beyond their nestled heads and a newer (though still old to us) robust shank in a generous finger size having been added in its stead.

Fair antique condition with wear in line with age and use, including evidence of past reshanking and repairs.

Details:
• 18k yellow gold head(s) and 9k yellow gold replacement shank, unstamped but tested
• Size 8 5/8 (slightly out of round) and could be resized within two sizes
• Six mixed old cut diamonds approximately 0.24ctw
• Face of ring measures 9.7mm wide, 12mm across, with a rise of 3.2mm; back of band measures 5.5mm wide and 1mm thick
• 4.9g