Description

A beautifully tactile and unusual ring, this antique piece is typical of Victorian solitaire rings. The characteristically heavy tapering band and large claws encasing a sizeable Old Mine Cut Diamond.

What makes this particular piece so unique is the delicate engraving to the shoulders, lending the appearance of golden snakeskin.

The Georgian's and the Victorian's enjoyed using snake imagery in jewellery for symbolic purposes, however this is the first snake skin engraving we have come across, and despite it's great age it has remained in excellent condition.

The inside of the shank has also been engraved, but with more obviously personal intentions. Inside are sets of initials and the date 1861.

The Gold is 9 Carat, which was first introduced in 1854. The Diamond is a lovely .75 Carat Old Mine Cut with super clarity (approximately VS.) The colour of the diamond is almost impossible to judge whilst set as the setting and claws curve around it making it appear quite yellow. However this alters drastically depending upon the light source so could possibly be due to the Yellow Gold surround. It's really impossible to say.

Either way it is a lovely item, a true one of a kind piece which remains in excellent condition.

It is a UK size H 1/2, US approx 4.

Price: £595.00 (approx $1,100.00 USD)