Petite Antique Snake Ring

An itty bitty and roughly hewn Victorian snake ring in the softest rosy gold with a wee diamond that still catches the light here and there, despite a dark tone from an old closed back setting.

The snake is one of jewelry's oldest motifs, used to represent power, passion, and love. Enjoying a massive surge in popularity in the 19th century after Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria a snakey engagement ring, they remain popular today.

Fine antique condition with a rich patina to the gold. Evidence of resizing to one side of the snake's head (opposite side from the tail), and reasonable wear for a piece this small and delicate: the coils at the back of the ring were not soldered together so there is some bending and squishing, as well as some noticeable dings and character. The diamond appears quite dark due to to the closed back of the setting and the inability to get many generations of wear out from behind it. This ring is not in perfect condition but is perfectly wearable and has a lot of life in it still.

Details:
• At least 10k gold (possibly closer to 12k), unstamped but tested
• Shape is slightly out of round, fits around 2 7/8, do not recommend resizing
• One old rose cut diamond approximately 1.5mm, back of setting closed so stone appears dark
• Face of ring measures 5.5mm at widest with a rise of 2.4mm; back of band is roughly 4mm wide and 0.9mm thick
• 1.5g