1501 - Snake Ring with Diamond and Ruby - "Promise Ring"

Snake Ring with Diamond and Ruby - "Promise Ring" Probably late 19th/early 20th century. 585/- yellow gold, hallmarked. Weight: 8 g. Hallmark: 585. 1 diamond, approx. 0.12 ct. 1 ruby, approx. 0.12 ct. Ring size 57. In good condition. A sculpturally crafted ring in the shape of two intertwined snakes with finely embossed scaly bodies. The two snake heads, facing each other, are set with a diamond and a ruby, respectively. Since the 19th century, the snake ring has been regarded as a symbol of eternal love, fidelity, and devotion. The motif gained particular popularity through Queen Victoria, who received a snake ring from Prince Albert as an engagement gift in 1839. As a so-called “promise ring,” the piece follows in the tradition of sentimental love and engagement jewelry from the Victorian era.