Ring Antique early Victorian 18 K Yellow Gold Snake Ring with Old-Mine Diamonds & Cabochon Ruby

Opens 19:00
Starting bid
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Laura Trevino
Expert
Selected by Laura Trevino

She has 15 years' auction experience, specialising in vintage jewellery from 1920 to 2000.

Estimate  € 5,000 - € 5,500
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Description from the seller

Early Victorian-era snake ring, crafted in 18K yellow gold and styled in a coiled serpent design—symbolising eternal love and protection. The snake’s body wraps elegantly around the finger, with the head and tail meeting at the top in a graceful loop.

The central feature is a deep crimson cabochon ruby, estimated at approximately 2 carats, bezel-set and framed by a halo of 30 old mine-cut diamonds. The diamonds continue along the serpent’s winding form, set into the gold with charming irregularity that highlights their hand-cut nature. Two tiny ruby cabochons form the snake’s eyes, enhancing the lifelike character and symbolism of the design.

This finely balanced piece is rich in both historical and emotional significance—serpent rings of this kind were made popular in the 1830s when Prince Albert gifted Queen Victoria a snake engagement ring.

Specifications:
Era: Early Victorian, c. 1830s–1850s
Material: 18K yellow gold
Finger Size: UK L½ | US 6.25 | EU 52
Total Weight: 5 g

Diamond Details:
Cut: Old mine-cut
Quantity: 30
Estimated Total Carat Weight: 1.20 ct
Colour: G–H
Clarity: SI

Ruby Details:
Centre Stone: Cabochon ruby, approx. 2.00 ct
Eyes: Two small ruby cabochons, approx. 0.01 ct total

Condition Report:
Excellent antique condition. The diamonds are bright and well-set. Ruby shows attractive natural inclusions and good polish. Gold retains a soft patina with only minor surface wear. Structurally sound and wearable.

* All items are cleaned and inspected before being dispatched.
* Item will be safely and securely packaged and shipped within one to two working days.
* Please note: customs and import charges may apply for international buyers, bidders are responsible for any customs duties fees.
* Shipping price includes express delivery service (one to two working days), full insurance, and packaging.
* If the winning bidder decides to cancel the purchase, they will bear the risk, and cost of all shipping and return import duties of the seller.

Early Victorian-era snake ring, crafted in 18K yellow gold and styled in a coiled serpent design—symbolising eternal love and protection. The snake’s body wraps elegantly around the finger, with the head and tail meeting at the top in a graceful loop.

The central feature is a deep crimson cabochon ruby, estimated at approximately 2 carats, bezel-set and framed by a halo of 30 old mine-cut diamonds. The diamonds continue along the serpent’s winding form, set into the gold with charming irregularity that highlights their hand-cut nature. Two tiny ruby cabochons form the snake’s eyes, enhancing the lifelike character and symbolism of the design.

This finely balanced piece is rich in both historical and emotional significance—serpent rings of this kind were made popular in the 1830s when Prince Albert gifted Queen Victoria a snake engagement ring.

Specifications:
Era: Early Victorian, c. 1830s–1850s
Material: 18K yellow gold
Finger Size: UK L½ | US 6.25 | EU 52
Total Weight: 5 g

Diamond Details:
Cut: Old mine-cut
Quantity: 30
Estimated Total Carat Weight: 1.20 ct
Colour: G–H
Clarity: SI

Ruby Details:
Centre Stone: Cabochon ruby, approx. 2.00 ct
Eyes: Two small ruby cabochons, approx. 0.01 ct total

Condition Report:
Excellent antique condition. The diamonds are bright and well-set. Ruby shows attractive natural inclusions and good polish. Gold retains a soft patina with only minor surface wear. Structurally sound and wearable.

* All items are cleaned and inspected before being dispatched.
* Item will be safely and securely packaged and shipped within one to two working days.
* Please note: customs and import charges may apply for international buyers, bidders are responsible for any customs duties fees.
* Shipping price includes express delivery service (one to two working days), full insurance, and packaging.
* If the winning bidder decides to cancel the purchase, they will bear the risk, and cost of all shipping and return import duties of the seller.

Details

Era
1400-1900
Laboratory Report
No laboratory report
Estimated period
1850-1900
Metal
Antique early Victorian 18 K Yellow Gold Snake Ring with Old-Mine Diamonds & Cabochon Ruby
Brand jewellery
No
Total weight
5 g
Condition
Good condition - used with some signs of wear
Gender
Women
United KingdomVerified
514
Objects sold
100%
pro

Disclaimer

Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every object in line with our submission guidelines. While we strive to provide a detailed description and photographs of each jewellery object, discrepancies or inaccuracies may occur. It is your responsibility to review all of the information provided about an object, including the condition and description, before placing an order. Sellers are responsible for the information, pictures and description provided, including the quality, quantity and nature of the jewelry supplied. A small imperfection that cannot be seen in the photo but is included in the description is not a non-conformity. A Lab Report is not a guarantee, valuation or appraisal regarding the articles described therein. A Lab Report contains only the characteristics of an article described after it has been graded, tested, examined, and analyzed using the techniques and equipment used at the time of the examination from that specific Lab. The results of any other examination performed on the article may differ depending when, how, by whom and with which grading standard the article is examined. In addition, any changes and improvements in techniques and equipment that may have occurred which may enable the examiner to detect, among other things, the use of processes for altering the characteristics of an article which use was previously undetectable, does not automatically mean the object does not conform to its description.

Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every object in line with our submission guidelines. While we strive to provide a detailed description and photographs of each jewellery object, discrepancies or inaccuracies may occur. It is your responsibility to review all of the information provided about an object, including the condition and description, before placing an order. Sellers are responsible for the information, pictures and description provided, including the quality, quantity and nature of the jewelry supplied. A small imperfection that cannot be seen in the photo but is included in the description is not a non-conformity. A Lab Report is not a guarantee, valuation or appraisal regarding the articles described therein. A Lab Report contains only the characteristics of an article described after it has been graded, tested, examined, and analyzed using the techniques and equipment used at the time of the examination from that specific Lab. The results of any other examination performed on the article may differ depending when, how, by whom and with which grading standard the article is examined. In addition, any changes and improvements in techniques and equipment that may have occurred which may enable the examiner to detect, among other things, the use of processes for altering the characteristics of an article which use was previously undetectable, does not automatically mean the object does not conform to its description.

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