Art Deco Diamond Ouroboros Ring
An incredible vintage ouroboros ring dating from the early 20th century, circa 1920. The snake forms a circle, the head poised to bite down on its own tail... but stopped by a single old cut diamond blocking the way. It's crafted in 15ct gold and platinum with a fine millegrain halo around the diamond and little ruby eyes either side of the snake's head.
The symbolism is powerful. The ouroboros broken by a diamond; the tail devouring is ceased; the cycle is broken. The name diamond comes directly from the Greek word adamas meaning 'unbreakable', and the stone has long been associated with strength, endurance, and eternal love. The ouroboros, on the other hand, is another ancient and potent talisman: eternity and the endless return, renewal, rebirth, and eternal life. Are we to suppose that whomever made this ring (it looks to have been converted from an older, early 19th century split ring) was making a point? Perhaps, "love conquers all" or some kind of love-breaking-the-wheel/chains metaphor going on? IDK, but the old romantic in me hopes so. It would make a great engagement ring.
Era: Art Deco circa 1920
Ring size: 6.75 US or N UK/AUS. Resizable for £35.
Width at head: 4.1mm
Width of band: 1.9mm
Stones: 0.17ct Old European Cut Diamond (calculated weight) & Two Rubies
Marks: None, tested as 15ct gold and platinum
Condition: Great antique condition. Probably converted from an earlier, circa 1820, serpent split ring with the bezel-set diamond and rubies having been added during the early 20th century.
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
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
Buying a Gift?
Leave a note at checkout and we'll include a handwritten note to the recipient. Just tell us what you'd like to say
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 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
A 25% deposit will be 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, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are 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.
More Questions?
Get in touch... There's a live chat at the bottom right of each page.
alex@lostowl.jewelry