Saturday brings us snake rings

Happy Saturday! I have a poorly boyfriend today, so instead of swanning around and eating brunch, we are relaxing in front of the TV. This means, of course, that I can write a lovely post on one of my favourite ring designs... snake rings! 

Snakes... according to Wikipedia, the snake [or serpent] is one of the oldest and most widespread mythological symbols. They represent dual expression of good and evil. They are also used as fertility symbols in many cultures; the shedding of their skin is symbolic of rebirth, healing, etc. Snakes have also been used as guardians of sacred spaces such as temples. They also have their place in the history of medicine and are associated with healing, immortality, and poison [obviously]. Here's one that we all know about - snakes are connected with vengefulness and vindictiveness. 

The Victorians loved the symbol of the serpent and snake jewellery really took off when Queen Victoria was proposed to with a snake ring. Her ring featured two snakes entwined with an emerald. Sadly this ring was never photographed and she was buried with it, so we can only guess at what it looked like. The popularity of 'snake jewellery' peaked in the 1840s, and became popular again during the Art Nouveau period. 

I won't go on, however much I'd love to [because it's so very fascinating], but if you're interested in this sort of thing have a look on Google, there's lots to read. 

This is what you're really here for [I guess]... some of my favourite snake rings. 

Two-headed snake ring by Erica Weiner $400 - $675  

From EW's 1909 collection, this two-headed snake ring is the right combination of snake and delicate. It comes in yellow gold and with no stones, red diamond eyes, or white diamond eyes [see price ranges at the beginning]. Perfection in a snake ring! 

Vintage snake ring by Zara Taylor £12

Sadly this beauty is made from brass, hence the price tag, but it has such wonderful detailing that I couldn't leave it out. 

Snake ring by Momocreatura £187

This ring is not currently available from Momocreatura, but it is in stock at Boticca [I've never purchased from here]. I couldn't leave it out because it's rather special. It comes with different coloured eyes and doesn't it look ah-mazing stacked?? 

Gold and white sapphire snake ring by Julia Failey £296.50

I just saw this one when I was looking at the Momocreatura ring so it's a bit of a cheat entry because it isn't one I've had my eye on previously, but with those white sapphire eyes I couldn't not add him into the list. 

Snake tail ring in sterling silver with rubies by Michelle Chang £70.97

This is one of my all-time favourites. I love the way the tail is in the mouth and the softness of the metal make it look very modern and wearable. 

Twisted snake by Makri £currently unavailable 

This ring by Makri is a work of art. I'll show you the front and the back because it's intricate and beautiful. 18k pink gold with white diamonds and rubies. I HEART this ring. 

Victorian 14k gold persian turquoise snake ring Vintage $645 

A real-life Victorian ring - oh my! 

Snake ring by Grace Lee Designs $385 

I love how delicate this one is, it'd be perfect for stacking and great for every-day wear. Once again this one has diamond eyes. A popular feature of the snake ring. 

Serpent ring by Pamela Love $1,300 

This one is a little more of a luxury item at that price, but it's stunning. Seriously, look at that tri-stack! Swoooon. 

Anyway, there you have it - Snake rings! I hope you see something you like and if you have some snake-inspired rings, or any snake jewellery, please comment and let me know! 

Thanks for reading, 

L. x

A blog is born (and I buy cat ring)...

>> This is cat ring. Made of sterling silver with a 1.5mm band. Cat ears included. Can be found HERE at Silverado.

So, what’s been happening? Well. On the 1st of June, 2013 (today) I started this awesome new website and blog. I also purchased a new piece of jewellery. Oh yes. Today managed to find a piece of jewellery to combine two of the things I love - jewellery and cats. Introducing THE CAT RING. When, where, how? And the story begins... 

We went to Lewes today for lunch (which actually turned into an early dinner) and I can’t go to Lewes without a visit to Silverado. I looked at lots of lovely things whilst there including pieces by my favourite jewellery designer Alex Monroe (you’ll see a lot about this brand on this blog). I also looked at and tried on rings by Monica Vinader, all of which were stunning. I can’t find pictures of all the rings I tried on but I’ll post pictures of some of them (images taken from Monica Vinader website).

This is the Siren Cocktail Ring. It’s big, it’s beautiful and it’s only £190. It is made from 18ct Gold plated vermeil on sterling silver with an organic shaped multifaceted Aqua Chalcedony. It milkiness of the stone was just beautiful and the ring had a lovely feel to it. Check out the website to have a look at it from different angles - I’m super fussy about settings and this one has a beautiful back. The band is approximately 3mm and comes in sizes K-T. 

This beauty is the Medina Facet Ring. Also made from 18ct Gold plated vermeil on sterling silver but this time set with a green gold quartz. £145. This setting has a closed back which makes the colour look more saturated. The gem stone comes out quite far which makes this ring quite a statement piece. They also had it in black onyx, but I can’t get that selection on the website - possibly sold out? The actual ring is has a nice hammered texture. 

Introducing... the stacking rings. These rings come in various sizes, shapes, and colours and are designed to be worn together in a stack. I held a few of these today (the ones pictured) and they are very delicate and so very sparkly. From left to right we have the Siren stacking set with citrine, then the Siren small stacking with white topaz, and another Siren stacking in Amethyst. Finally there is a stacked set - this particular set doesn’t do it for me, but only because I’m not a fan of wide bands. I also like a combination of metals when stacking. I can’t wait to add one of these to my collection. Here’s a link to the stacking ring collection. 

Whilst in Silverado I also checked out Alexis Dove’s latest pieces. There were four pieces that I actually held/tried on and they were all of a lovely weight and fantastic quality. As a result I’ve actually e-mailed Alexis to ask if she would consider making me a bespoke ring - I’ll keep you updated. Here are the things I looked at... 1) Foxy Ring. 2) Little Owl Ribbon Pendant. 3) Wild Rose Tiny Ring. 4) Wild Rose Large Ring. 

After our lunch/dinner we took a stroll around some of the antique shops in Lewes. I went in to look at some of the jewellery and I was pleasantly surprised. There were beautiful vintage cameos and art deco style rings, ranging from £6 to £165. The owner didn’t know what any of the stones were, which is a shame; I’ll just have to start learning my gems! 

I think that’s enough for my first entry, I don’t want to scare you all off. Come back soon for another entry! 

L. x