Louison Rare + Fine

Art Deco Ruby + Diamond Snake Ring

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Louison Rare + Fine

Art Deco Ruby + Diamond Snake Ring

Sold out

Description

This French 1930s eternal snake ring features a gorgeous cabochon ruby and two old-cut diamond eyes set in a ribbon of buttery 18k gold.

HISTORY

The ouroboros (from the Greek "Devouring Snake") has been alive and kicking since the Ancient Egyptians, who first used it as a marker of the beginning and end of time in tomb and funerary art. Centuries later, the Romans embraced the snake as a symbol of everlasting love, but its popularity in jewelry is still most often attributed to Prince Albert, who famously asked for Queen Victoria's hand in 1839 with a gold and emerald ring shaped like a snake eating its tail. Their love story was known as one for the ages, and Victorians celebrated all things serpentine as the go-to signifier of never-ending love, rebirth and protection.

Ruby, the birthstone for July, has been mined and used in jewelry as far back as the Paleolithic period, when it was discovered in Myanmar and used as decoration. One of the four most precious gemstones in the world, it has long been recognized throughout jewelry history as symbols of love and passion - Pliny waxed philosophical about stones with color "hot as coals" and Elizabeth Taylor counted them among her favorite stones. They are thought to represent and help open the heart chakra, promote mental concentration, and shield against unwanted emotional and psychological intrusions.

MATERIALS

18k Yellow Gold, Ruby, Diamond

CONDITION

Very good - gold shows very slight signs of wear, commensurate with age. Stones are in perfect condition with beautiful color.

HALLMARKS

French (Indistinguishable)

AGE

1930s

SIZE

Size 8.25 (slightly adjustable). Ring measures approximately 14mm at widest point.