Jewellery design has evolved over thousands of years, with many different cultures using a range of symbols, each with its own special meaning and the snake has had more than its fair share of representation. In this article, we take a look at some of those meanings with snake style jewellery across the world.
Love & Union
In some cultures, snakes were seen as a symbol of love and being together. Perhaps the most obvious example of a snake design engagement ring portraying love was the serpent ring that Prince Albert presented Queen Victoria, with an emerald depicting the serpent’s head. This began a long period when the snake shape symbolised romantic love, with many European jewellery makers incorporating this design into their work.
Snake Rings
Jewellery makers used rose and yellow gold pieces entwined to create a snake, with gems as the head or eyes of the snake. The snake shape is perfect for a ring design, either using a single strand, or multiple strands woven together and with different colours, you have a stunning example of a natural-looking entwined serpent. Victorian diamond engagement rings often take on the form of a snake, thanks to the ring design of Queen Victoria’s engagement ring.
Snake Bracelets & Necklaces
Famous jewellery makers like Cartier began making snake jewellery in the mid-1900s and this boosted the trend, with other makers like Bulgari also creating stunning snake jewellery, making it their emblem. The most famous Cartier snake necklace was made for Mexican actress, Maria Felix in 1968, which incorporated 2,473 diamonds. The underside is coloured red, green and black, which makes the necklace reversible.
Symbol Of Deities
The ancient Egyptians regarded the snake as a symbol of royalty or godliness, which is why you find so many ‘snake’ shape designs with the jewellery of the time, found buried alongside the Pharaohs. We all know about Cleopatra and the asp that was said to have ended her life with a bite, although this does not fit with depictions found on relics and jewellery pieces. Indeed, only royalty were allowed to wear snake jewellery and the penalty for ordinary people to wear such an emblem might even be death! When looking at high quality Sydney antique jewellery, you will find that the online antique dealer offers a range of such pieces.
Religions
In the Hindu religion, the snake was a symbol of desire and sexual passion, with snake emblems found on wedding rings and other items of jewellery. Many religions see the snake in a negative way, believing these long creatures to be evil; let’s not forget Adam & Eve and the Garden of Eden, where the snake is believed to have convinced Eve to take a bite out of the forbidden apple.
If you like snake jewellery, there are fine examples from every period, from the 16th century to the present day and if you would like to acquire an antique jewellery ring, search online for a leading Australian antique dealer.