Antique: Victorian Gold Snake Ring, Diamond and Sapphire in 18 ct Gold (Hallmarked)

This is an unusual gold, double snake ring with an old mine cut diamond and similarly cut sapphire in the loveliest shade of periwinkle/cornflower blue. It has clear hallmarks for Birmingham, 18 ct gold, 1898. It would pair nicely with a sapphire eternity ring in the same blue hue.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert started the trend of snake ring as engagement ring (having received and emerald one from Prince Albert in 1839).

During the Victorian period, the snake was a symbol of eternal love, emphasized when the snake's tail was in its mouth, an unending bond with no beginning or end. What is fun about this particular snake ring is that each snake has its tail in its mouth, truly an unbreakable bond.

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• The ring is 18 ct. gold with an old mine cut diamond and a sapphire.
• The ring is 9.75 in height a its tallest point (front) and 5.65 mm at the back.
• It is a U.S. size 7 1/2, UK size O 1/2.

• England.

• Victorian. Hallmarks for Birmingham, 18 ct. gold, 1898, and maker's mark.

• The ring is in very good antique condition. There are some micro surface scratches that one would expect on a piece of this age (not visible to the eye without magnification). There is no evidence of previous sizing and the diamond and sapphire have no chips or nibbles.

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