Though snake motifs have been popular in jewelry through many eras, the symbolism peaked in the Victorian period. Just as she set the tone for all manner of styles and behaviours, Queen Victoria launched a fervour when she accepted a emerald-set snake ring to mark her engagement to Prince Albert.

Shedding meanings like skin, the serpent has represented growth and rebirth, danger and passion, royalty and everlasting love. Flexible and adaptable, the snake in jewelry is open to whatever meaning you need, while the sapphire and diamond represent wisdom and strength.

This particular snake has had a little work done - there's light evidence of sizing to the band, and some solder on the face tells us stones have been retipped, thought it has since rubbed smooth. The littlest detailed mouth lends character, while the deep, nearly opaque blue of the sapphires keep his eyes shrouded in mystery. The French stamp (an owl) indicates the ring was imported, and the owl appears to bear the number 75, which would refer to the location the ring was tested for gold content - in this case referring to the Department of Paris.

Details:
• 18k gold, stamped with French import Owl stamp and tested
• Size 8, sizeable within reason
• 9 single cut diamonds and 2 single cut blue sapphires
• Rise off finger is approximately 3mm, width from tail to head is 15mm, back of band is 4.3mm wide and 1mm thick
• 4.8g