Ancient Egyptian snake ring. A yellow gold ring in the form of a twisting and slithering snake, composed of a slim gold rounded wire conforming around the finger, the drop shaped head to one end and the other end terminating in a sinuous triple coil to the tail. Tested yellow gold, circa 30BC-323AD.
The snake motif is one of the earliest motifs used in jewellery, being favoured since ancient times. Snakes were thought to represent the unending circle of life and everlasting love.
See Higgins R.A., 'Greek and Roman Jewellery' plate 53B for a snake ring of similar design.
