1840s English Victorian crescent and serpent padlock ring

This ring, dating from the 1840s, is crafted in solid 18k gold, set with amethysts and pearls. Though sourced in France, its design suggests it is an early Victorian piece from England.

The bigger amethyst is cut into a crescent moon shape, outlined with pearls to form a lunar motif. In the symbolism-rich Victorian era, the moon, with its waxing and waning cycles, represented the concept of "eternity."

The ring band draws inspiration from the ancient Roman myth of the Amphisbaena, a double-headed serpent. Two serpent heads rest on either side of the ring’s crown, with their intertwined bodies forming the band. The serpentine design symbolizes "eternal love," and when combined with the crescent moon, it conveys the romantic notion of "everlasting love."

A hidden design feature adds further intrigue: when the ring is rotated 90 degrees to the right, the pearls outline the shape of a padlock, symbolizing a promise and protection of love. This makes it a thoughtful token, rich with symbolic meaning.

As an antique, the piece exhibits signs of oxidation and wear consistent with its age. There are multiple surface scratches on the gemstones, and the smaller amethyst has a chipped edge. Given the subjective nature of condition assessment, please click and enlarge our photos to examine more detailed condition aspects as part of your evaluation.