This did not begin with Adam and Eve but appeared up in Pre-Christian religions and cultures. There are very few creatures that have been embraced by both religion and art. Most of the others have fascinated mankind because of their impressive size or strength. Snakes on the other hand, tend to be insignificant in appearance. Yet in the hierarchy of animals they have ranked so high that they have attained almost divine status. All sorts of human character traits have been imputed to them, ranging from wisdom and prudence to guile and deceitfulness. Snakes arouse powerful emotional responses from one person to another.
Ladies of the European nobility wore snakes as brooches, bracelets, necklaces and finger rings. By the beginning of the 19th century long snake collars were being worn. Queen Victoria was given a snake ring by her fiance Albert to mark their engagement.
The serpent wound its way through the 19th century jewelry as an amulet, a talisman, as a good luck charm and symbol of enduring love.
Image Source: ‘The Brogden Album’, dating between 1848 and 1884
No castings or molds are used in production ensuring each snake is a unique one-of-a-kind piece.
Bell & Bird Ouroboros Bangle
Price on request, email info@bellandbird.com
The ouroboros is a centuries-old symbol of eternity and wholeness. Completely hand fabricated in our custom color 18K old gold. Hand engraved head with single cut diamond eyes. Inspired by Victorian-era snake bracelets that have passed through our hands. No castings or molds are used in production ensuring each snake is a unique one-of-a-kind piece.
Limited Release - Please email us if you are interested in joining the waitlist.
Handmade in our Texas workshop, this ring is in our custom blend of 18K rose gold. A more subdued, darker tone than commercially available modern rose gold. We call this color "old gold" and created the alloy in the spirit of the many 19th century rings we have handled.
$17,500
Please email info@bellandbird.com or call 512-407-8206 if you would like to purchase this ring.
Images: Two customized Bell & Bird Ouroboros bracelets, (left) tapered emerald head and (right) 4+ carat Canary yellow diamond head.
