Victorian Diamond Snake Ring

A striking late Victorian snake ring, made in England around 1870. The ring is crafted in rich 18K gold and designed as a coiled serpent, its sinuous body set with nineteen rose cut diamonds in foiled closed-back settings that are entirely characteristic of the period. Two tiny ruby eyes animate the head and reinforce the Victorian fascination with serpents, a motif that surged in popularity after Prince Albert presented Queen Victoria with a snake engagement ring in 1839. The serpent came to symbolise eternal love, fidelity and protection, making such jewels highly sentimental gifts.

The present example is particularly expressive, with a pronounced coiling form that wraps gracefully across the finger and provides generous diamond coverage, measuring 6 mm across the band. The central head stone (known in the trade as the ‘brain’ of the snake) is a well-shaped rose cut of approximately 4 x 4 mm, framed by the glittering array of smaller stones that follow the curve of the body. The ring is unmarked but tests as 18K gold and has the warm, softly patinated surface.

UK size P, US size 7.5. Weight 6.2 g. A charismatic survivor of high Victorian sentimental jewellery.