Austrian coiled gold serpent ring c.1850

This is a coiled, snake-shaped ring from Austria dating back to the 1850s, crafted entirely in 14k solid rose gold and adorned with ruby embellishment.

The ring features a structure that coils around two and a half times, giving it a substantial and wide-band design. The segmented lines on the ring suggest that the original design had an adjustable circumference with a flexible construction. However, it is speculated that the elastic functionality is damaged, leading to later signs of the snake tail being soldered and fixed.

The design of the piece is flexible, and both the form and details are exquisitely crafted. The detailed features of the snake's head, including its mouth and nose, are well-preserved, and the scales on both ends are finely detailed and symmetrical. A ruby is set on the top of the head. The overall form is dynamic, and the wide band appears light and elegant due to the gaps between the coils.

The condition of the ring is in line with its antique status, showing normal oxidation and signs of wear. It is speculated that the elastic functionality is damaged, and the snake tail structure has been soldered. Assessing the condition of an antique is subjective, so please click and enlarge our photos to examine more details for a better judgment.