Vintage: English 18 ct Gold Snake Ring with Rose Cut Diamonds and 4 Coils

This is a very desirable hallmarked example of a vintage English 18 ct gold ring in the shape of a coiled serpent (1919). The snake has a wide grin and three glittering, rose cut diamonds that run down the back of its neck. Antique and early 20th century snake rings, with as many as four coils, are getting more difficult to find.

The snake or serpent motif has had many meanings throughout history. During the Victorian and Edwardian periods, a snake signified eternal love and was sometimes used as an engagement ring. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the fashion trendsetters of their time, made it popular when Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria a coiled snake ring with an emerald upon their engagement.

This ring would look amazing on any finger, but we loved seeing one of our favorite French designers wearing multiple coils on her index finger.

• The ring size is US 5 ½ or UK K 1/2. Note: This ring can be sized up or down approximately 1 1/2 sizes with minimal evidence of sizing. Sizing up will not be as successful due to the shape of the coils. Sizing either way, depending on how much, could impact the Hallmarks. See our ring sizing page for additional information. After a ring has been sized, it is considered customized and cannot be returned.
• The height at the widest point at the front of the ring measures a little over 13 mm or ½ inch.
• At the narrowest point in the back, the ring measures between 7 mm and 8 mm or approximately .3 inches.

• English.

• From the period between Edwardian and Art Deco.
• Assay Office Mark Chester, 18 ct gold, Maker’s Mark J.H.W and a date letter mark for 1919.

• The ring is in very good condition for its age. There are very small surface scratches which are difficult to see without magnification, i.e. the eye alone.

If you are interested in reading more about the jewelry terms or decorative periods referenced throughout our site, visit our Resources section for additional information.

Find out how to care for your collection of antique and modern jewels: visit our Jewelry Care page to get advice on maintaining and storing your treasured pieces.