1877 English Diamond & Ruby Snake Ring

Dated 1877 and hallmarked in London, this substantial Victorian snake ring is crafted in 18KT gold, its single serpentine body coiling repeatedly around the finger. The snake's head is set with a .64-carat antique pear-shaped diamond, while small ruby eyes flash deep red.

Serpent jewelry was well established in Victorian fashion by the time this ring was made. Snakes carried longstanding associations with eternity, renewal, protection, and wisdom, while Queen Victoria's famous 1839 serpent engagement ring helped give the motif a particularly romantic association during the 19th century. As always, these are historical associations rather than proof of what this particular snake represented to its original owner.

An engraved dedication inside the shank records that the Lion Hotel presented the ring to its wearer, giving the jewel an unusually personal piece of history. Without further documentation, we shouldn't speculate about the occasion, but the inscription tells us something valuable that most antique jewels have lost: this ring was connected to a particular presentation and place.

Appraised Value: $9,150