The snake has been a common motif in jewellery for thousands of years, and has been used by many different cultures and religions.
It is believed to have first been used in ancient Egyptian jewellery, where it was associated with the goddess Wadjet, who was depicted as a cobra. In ancient Greek mythology, the snake was a symbol of rebirth and renewal, and was often associated with the god Dionysus and the goddess Athena.The snake motif has also been popular in other cultures, including the Aztecs, who associated the snake with the god Quetzalcoatl, and the Chinese, who saw the snake as a symbol of fertility.
In Western culture, the snake has sometimes been associated with temptation and evil, as it is depicted in the story of the Garden of Eden in the Bible. However, it has also been seen as a symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and protection.
The snake motif has been used in jewelry throughout history, and has remained popular in various forms and styles. It is often used to create rings, pendants, earrings, and other types of jewellery. It has particularly been popular in the 20th and 21st centuries, as a symbol of fashion and style.
Queen Victoria was known for her love of jewellery, and she owned many pieces that featured snake motifs. One of the most famous examples is a snake ring that she received as a gift from Prince Albert, her husband, in 1840. The ring was made of gold and featured a snake wrapped around a small, rose-cut diamond, with two small diamonds set into the snake's head. The ring was a symbol of the Prince's love for Victoria and was a popular gift for couples during the Victorian era. It is now part of the Royal Collection and is on display at the Buckingham Palace in
One variation on a theme is the ouroboros, an ancient symbol that depicts a serpent or dragon eating its own tail. It is often depicted in circular form, with the head of the serpent biting its own tail. The symbol is often associated with the concept of infinity or cyclicality, as the serpent appears to be consuming itself but is also constantly regenerating.
In jewellery, the ouroboros is often used as a decorative element and may be incorporated into rings, pendants, earrings, and other types of jewellery. It is often associated with themes of rebirth, renewal, and eternity. The ouroboros is also sometimes used as a symbol of self-reflection and introspection, as it suggests that one is constantly consuming and understanding.
Jewellery featuring the ouroboros may be made from a variety of materials, including gold, silver, brass, and other metals, as well as gemstones and other decorative elements. The design of the ouroboros in jewellery may vary widely, with some designs being more abstract and others being more realistic.
See our collection of snake jewellery (including our archive of pieces we have previously held).