Two snakes are entwined in a symbol of eternal love. One snake is set with a vibrant step cut emerald of approximately .75 carats. The second snake is set with old European cut diamonds totaling approx. .4 carats. Engraved details further detail the scales and eyes in 18k gold. European in origin. Circa 1900.
Size 6.25, can be resized.
Snake jewelry did not begin with Adam and Eve but appeared in pre-Christian religions and cultures. Very few creatures have been embraced by both religion and art. Most of the others have fascinated mankind because of their impressive size or strength. Snakes, on the other hand, tend to be insignificant in appearance. Yet in the hierarchy of animals, they have ranked so high that they have attained almost divine status. All sorts of human character traits have been imputed to them, ranging from wisdom and prudence to guile and deceitfulness. Snakes arouse powerful emotional responses from one person to another.
Ladies of the European nobility wore snakes as brooches, bracelets, necklaces, and finger rings. By the beginning of the 19th century long snake collars were being worn. Queen Victoria was given a snake ring by her fiance Albert to mark their engagement.
The serpent wound its way through the 19th century jewelry as an amulet, a talisman, as a good luck charm and symbol of enduring love.
