ABOUT:
Awesome French antique figural DOUBLE snake ring in 18k gold. Two snakes, each with an old mine cut diamond set on its head, with them completely intertwined and their tails winding around towards the ring shoulders. Looking at the fabrication with the double bands, I wonder if this may have been a puzzle ring or some sort of wedding and engagement piece with two separate rings that were welded together.
They are permanently connected now. Nice wide footprint on the finger that resembles a love knot, which makes it a great stacker band. With the spark of the two old cut diamonds.
In ancient times, snakes represented the duality of good and evil, as well as being symbols of death and rebirth or immortality, transformation and healing, and even fertility. This motif was highly popularized, especially in ring form, by Queen Victoria who received one from Prince Albert who designed it after the Roman belief that the intertwined snake represented eternal and everlasting love. This design remained popular through the Victorian era and into the Art Nouveau period and at times, would take the shape of a love knot, as is the case with this ring.
HALLMARKS:
No hallmarks remain which is common for French pieces as they are marked in the back and often lost during a sizing or from wear. But sold to me from a reputable source in France where the standard is 18k and tested to confirm.
Antique box not included. Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures.
MEASUREMENTS:
Sturdy piece, it weighs 4.9 grams. Ring is currently about a size 7 3/4. On the finger, 13mm north south. Each diamond is about 2mm.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Please note that all my pieces are in estate condition. There is a weld at each shoulder perhaps from a sizing? So the coiled tail appears a bit softened but still visible. Some creases to the gold but still very stable and ready for wear. Diamonds are eye clean with no chips or damage. A few creases to the gold inside and some areas where it has been smoothed around the solder points but a lovely glow. Super eye catching and fun to wear.
But of course due to age - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition.
I would be delighted if you'd follow me in my shop. Thanks for stopping by!
SOCIAL:
Please feel free watch @mouseshouseantiques on Instagram for inventory drops, sneak peaks and previews! And check out my website www.MousesHouseAntiques.com as I can add more pics there so you can get extra looks : )
Box#@.22$
