Snake Jewelry Popular and Intriguing

As one of the oldest and most widespread mythological symbols, it’s no wonder serpents (snakes) remain as popular in jewelry as they did back in ancient Egyptian times.  What makes this creature so intriguing to mankind is its dual expression of good and evil, fertility and rebirth, poison and medicine.  Throughout time, different civilizations have interpreted the serpent’s symbolism in different ways:  the Egyptians saw it represent royalty and deity; in Rabbinical tradition and Hinduisim, the snake represents sexual passion and desire; while the Romans interpreted the snake as a symbol of everlasting love.  While Cleopatra may be the most notable historic figure to espouse the wearing of snake jewelry, Greek, Nordic, African, and Native Americans have all celebrated this intriguing reptile in gilded forms with varying meaning.

The Victorian era incited the proliferation of snake jewelry after Prince Albert proposed to Queen Victoria with the very first engagement ring, which was in the image of a snake with an emerald-set head.  For Victoria, the snake was an emblem of eternal love, making her betrothal ring the ultimate token of happily-ever-after.  Peaking in the 1840s, the snake represented wisdom and eternity during this period and was a ubiquitous motif on rings, bracelets, brooches and necklaces.

Michael Fischer is the owner of Prime Time Fine Jewelry located in Solana Beach. For more information, please call, 858. 259.1819 or send an email to info@primetimefinejewelry.com.