Recently Sold (VR724)

Ssssssay Yesss - Vintage Sterling Silver Ruby & Pearl Snake Ring. This charming ring is crafted from sterling silver, hallmarked 925 fr sterling.  Featuring three genuine pearls, two genuine round cut faceted rubies, Victorian Revival styling, and quality craftsmanship. This snake ring is adorned by lustrous pearls, on the top of his head and vibrant red rubies for eyes. The snake has a sweet face, and much detail to his body, which leads down to a simple, polished, and smooth shank. The simple shank, allows for a comfortable fit, and easy sizing.  This Vintage ring is delicate , and looks great when worn. Truly a great piece to add to your collection. Such a cute little chap!

History: Records suggest that rubies were traded along China's North Silk Road as early as 200 BC. Chinese noblemen adorned their armor with rubies because they believed the gem would grant protection. Burma has been a significant ruby source since at least 600 AD.

Pearls were presented as gifts to Chinese royalty as early as 2300 BC, while in ancient Rome, pearl jewellery was considered the ultimate status symbol. So precious were the spherical gems that in the 1st century BC, Julius Caesar passed a law limiting the wearing of pearls only to the ruling classes.

Silver Mining in History - The Silver Institute. The story of silver mining began about 5,000 years ago. Silver was first mined around 3,000 BCE in Anatolia, now located in modern-day Turkey. The precious metal helped early civilizations in the Near East, Ancient Greece to flourish.

The sterling alloy originated in continental Europe and was being used for commerce as early as the 12th century in the area that is now northern Germany. A piece of sterling silver dating from Henry II's reign was used as a standard in the Trial of the Pyx until it was deposited at the Royal Mint in 1843.

Queen Victoria's Engagement Ring : Despite their unique proposal, Prince Albert still gave Queen Victoria a gorgeous engagement ring. Shaped like a serpent, the ring included small rubies, diamonds, and an emerald, which was Queen Victoria's birthstone.

Measurements: Face of the Ring 14.00 mm x 9.00 mm 

Stone Size: Ruby .03 carats     Pearls: 1.00 mm each 

Weight: 1.90 grams 

Ring Size: 7

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America 

Date: Circa 1940