Two Serpents in Gold: A Victorian Diamond and Ruby Ring, circa 1900

This late Victorian gold snake ring, dating to around 1900, coils across the finger in a richly sculptural design. One serpent is set with a ruby, the other with a lightly yellow old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.70 carat, while tiny seed pearls accent their heads. Richly engraved surfaces and flowing gold curves give the ring a character that is at once protective, mysterious and distinctly of its period.