THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT ~
Type: Ring
Materials: 18k Gold, Opal
Size: 6 3/4
Era: Victorian (1837-1901)
ABOUT:
Several personal collection releases in today's stock drop.
Unique double snake ring with coiled tails and a bypass design holding a wonderful blue prong set opal. Each snake has two small red ruby eyes. Uncommon design with the opal - makes a great stacker band. I love figural antique pieces. The gold work is lovely with engraved details and contrasting satin and high shine textures.
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.
This one has Austrian hallmarks for 14k gold used in the late 1800s and discontinued.
Please note the measurements as I have small fingers and it can be difficult to determine scale from pictures.
MEASUREMENTS:
Size 6 3/4, The ring face is 8mm north to south. The piece Weighs 2.5g. The opal is about 6mm oval.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTES:
There is a weld gold repair at one side which I find more visible from the inside than while wearing, it was tidily done and looks clean while wearing. The opal has two shallow flakes of loss around the outside edge and a few nibbles. To the eye and while wearing it still appears complete and oval. It is barely eye visible when you study the edge up close. The opal has a wonderful color and a nice sheen.
But - Please note due to age, this piece is not in mint condition. Pictures also serve as part of the description and condition report so please utilize the zoom feature which will magnify any wear significantly more than what is visible to the eye while wearing : )
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SOCIAL:
Please feel free watch @mouseshouseantiques on insta for inventory drops, sneak peaks and previews!
