A beautiful late Victorian gold snake ring.
 
This unusual ring has a large old cut diamond set into the head of the snake which is curled around in a stylised lovers knot circle depicting the ouroborus.
 
The head is closed to the reverse and the diamond is in a silver backed setting. The diamond is an old mine cut and sits higher than the head of the snake. The snake has realistically carved features with an open mouth and eyes. There are traces of the original engraved pattern across the body of the snake which has worn with age. 
 
The ouroboros, a circular depiction of a snake swallowing its own tail is a symbol of eternity.
 
Snake rings became popular after Queen Victoria was presented with a continuous snake ring as her engagement ring from Price Albert. Her ring, which signified everlasting love for eternity, had an emerald, her birthstone, centered in its head. This set a trend throughout England to wear a snake as a symbol of love worn by both women and men.
 
This lovely snake ring is in a warm 18 carat yellow gold and is very low set to the finger.
 
Era: Victorian 1839 - 1901
Measurements: The ring is 3.2cm at the widest point, it weighs 3.8 grams
Old cut diamond estimated 0.50 carats, I colour SI clarity
Ring Size:  N (UK) 7 (US) 54 (EUR) This ring can be resized by our goldsmith but with limitations due to the design
Hallmarks:  Stamped 18CT