Victorian Diamond Snake Ring
Weird Victorian snake ring dating from the dawn of the 20th century - the very end of Victoria's (then) record-setting reign - circa 1900. This ring was made at a time when jewellery-making had been thoroughly industrialised with components (stone settings, chains, ring shanks, etc etc) being mass-produced by machines then assembled in factory-style workshops by (sometimes semi-)skilled workers*. This ring doesn't entirely conform to this mode of production, in a wonderfully unusual and interesting way. It caught my eye because it's a snake, because the diamond chips contrast vividly with the rich yellow gold, and because of its asymmetry - it's almost reminiscent of a French Belle Époque era cocktail ring. But the truly weird part is this: it's almost certainly hand-made other than the single component that holds the snake's head up above his body... that component is a machine made, mass-produced claw basked designed to hold a gemstone. The person who made this ring must have had it sitting around on their bench and, casting their eyes around to find something suitable to raise the snake's head up over its coils, spotted the component. Wild.
The band is crafted in 15 carat gold and the head in 9ct, and it's set with diamond chips that present as black against the gold but flash a brilliant, bright white as they catch the light.
Era: Victorian, circa 1900
Ring size: N or 6.75 US. Resizeable for £55
Head: 15.5mm by 9.7mm
Stones: Diamond
Marks: None, tested as 9ct and 15ct gold (band)
Condition: Great antique condition
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
UPS Express shipping is free of charge on international orders over £300 and it's carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
US Shipments
US Customs charges a 10% "Reciprocal Tariff" on all parcels coming in from the UK.
We will pay this charge on your behalf (via UPS or Royal Mail) and you will see it collected as a line item at checkout.
[Last updated: August 29th, 2025]
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
25% deposit taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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An inscription can be added inside the band, where space allows. Add 2-3 weeks to shipping times
Add a note in the cart* with your desired size and/or inscription
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