THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT ~
Type: Ring
Materials: 18k Gold, Diamond, Ruby
Size: 8 1/2
Era: Victorian (1837-1901)
ABOUT:
Awesome antique figural ouroboros snake ring in 18k gold with an old mine cut diamond on its head and ruby eyes. This French Victorian era piece has sharp scale texture chiseled engravings around the majority of the shank with a smooth section to the very back.
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. The Ouroboros design specifically (which translates to "tail eating" snake) has been said to represent rebirth and renewal, infinity, eternal life, the cycle of life, or an unbreakable bond with someone.
These antique ouroboros snake rings are highly collectible as there are many modern reproductions but the antique pieces with old cut stones like this one are harder to find.
French hallmarks for 18k gold. Antique box not included.
MEASUREMENTS:
It weighs 3.5 grams. Ring is currently about a size 8.5. I can't tell if the smooth area in the back is from a sizing or if it was just made that way
The diamond is 2mm. On the finger, the snake is 5.7mm at the widest part, which is its head, but remains quite thick all the way around.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
Please note that all my pieces are in estate condition. Some tiny nicks and small slivers of loss to the edge of the diamond seen under magnification only as it is relatively small, so it is not seen by the eye. It appears complete and the table / large top facet is polished. Typical antique diamond also has some inclusions seen under magnification. The rubies also have nicks and tiny nibbles to the facets from age and wear. Shank is Still perfectly shaped and super sturdy. A bit of surface wear. But A fantastic and eye catching piece.
But of course due to age - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition.
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Box#T.!@3
