Snake chain, Tubogas and serpent motifs in solid 14K gold and sterling silver.
Snake Jewelry
Snake jewelry, explained
The snake is the oldest motif in fine jewelry, and one of the richest in meaning. Because a snake sheds its skin, it stands for renewal. Coiled with its tail in its mouth it becomes the ouroboros, an ancient emblem of eternity. And when Prince Albert proposed to Queen Victoria with a gold serpent ring set with an emerald, it became a symbol of eternal love, which is why snake rings have been given as engagement and anniversary rings ever since.
How to choose a snake piece
Rings coil around the finger, so check the size or choose an open, adjustable design. Necklaces range from a small serpent pendant on a fine chain to a full snake-link chain. Bracelets and bangles wrap the wrist and suit a bolder look. In 14K gold, a snake piece wears every day without tarnishing; in sterling silver, it is a lighter, more affordable way into the motif.
What does snake jewelry symbolize?
Renewal, eternity and eternal love, from the snake shedding its skin, the ouroboros and Queen Victoria's serpent engagement ring.
Is snake jewelry bad luck?
No. In jewelry the snake has long stood for protection, renewal and love.
Can a snake ring be an engagement ring?
Yes. Queen Victoria's engagement ring was a gold serpent set with an emerald.
From the Journal
- Snake Jewelry Meaning: Why the Serpent Is Fine Jewelry’s Oldest MotifRebirth, protection and eternal love: the meaning behind the serpent, and how to wear it.
- Jewelry Symbols and Their Meanings: A Guide to 25 MotifsThe documented history behind 25 jewelry symbols, from the evil eye to the ouroboros, and where a popular meaning is modern.
