Recently Sold (VICR147)

Antique Serpent - Victorian 9K Gold Paste Snake Ring. This Victorian ring is crafted from 9K yellow gold, hallmarked 9ct inside the band. Featuring one round cut paste gem, Victorian era styling, and quality craftsmanship. This Victorian ring is made in the form of a charming long coiled snake, which twists and culminates at the front of the ring, catching the light in every direction. The charming snakes body is highly textured towards the front and consists of a sleek plain band at the back, its head rests peacefully on its coiled tail. The face of the snake has one sparking clear paste on top of his head, and engraved eyes. The bright past gem is complimentary to the rich buttery 9 karat gold body.  Snake rings are wonderful representation of the highly romantic Victorian era, made popular when Prince Albert presented Queen Victoria with a gold snake ring, a highly unique wedding ring symbolizing eternal love shared between the two. This ring has a plain polished, and smooth shank, which allows for a comfortable fit, and easy sizing. This symbolic Victorian era ring will be a great addition to a historical jewelry lovers collection, reminiscent of a wonderfully romantic period in time.

Note: Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the antique vale of antique jewelry. 

History: In the history of the United Kingdom and the British Empire, the Victorian era was the period of Queen Victoria's reign, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901.

Paste jewellery dates back to France during the 18th century when a jeweller named Georges Frederic Stras began hand crafting fine-quality Paste jewellery in 1724. He was quickly then appointed as “Jeweller to the King”, and began making Paste jewellery for King Louis XV of France.

Gold was generally used for a couple thousand years solely to create things such as jewelry and idols for worship. This was until around 1500 BC when the ancient empire of Egypt, which benefited greatly from its gold-bearing region, Nubia, made gold the first official medium of exchange for international trade.

Measurements: Face of the Ring 13.00 mm x 9.00 mm 

Stone Size: Paste Gemstone 2.00 mm round 

Weight: 2.70 grams 

Ring Size: 5 1/2 

Condition: Very Good.    Note: Some faded hallmarks inside shank due to age. 

Origin: Ireland 

Date: Circa 1890