The Serpent’s Secret: Symbolism of Snakes in Antique Jewellery

Few motifs in antique jewellery are as enduring, enigmatic, and surprisingly affectionate as the snake. Far from symbolising danger alone, serpents have been worn as powerful emblems of love, eternity, protection, and rebirth for centuries. From the Georgian era through to Art Deco, snake jewellery evolved in meaning and style, reflecting changing cultural attitudes while retaining its deep symbolic resonance.

Georgian Era (1714-1837): Eternity and Protection

In the Georgian period, snake motifs were relatively rare but deeply symbolic when they appeared. Jewellery of this era was highly personal and often imbued with meaning drawn from classical antiquity and folklore. The snake, especially when depicted biting its own tail (the ouroboros), symbolised eternity, wholeness, and the cyclical nature of life.

Serpent rings and memorial jewels were sometimes exchanged as tokens of enduring love or remembrance. The snake’s ability to shed its skin also made it a symbol of renewal and transformation-an especially poignant theme in an age marked by high mortality. Georgian snake jewellery was typically handcrafted in gold or silver, often set with foiled gemstones, giving the pieces a rich, intimate character.

Victorian Era (1837-1901): Love, Fidelity, and Immortality

Snake jewellery reached the height of its popularity during the Victorian era, largely thanks to a very public endorsement. In 1839, Prince Albert proposed to Queen Victoria with a snake engagement ring set with emeralds. The serpent, chosen to symbolise eternal love, sparked a fashion that would endure for decades.

Victorian snake jewellery often represented fidelity, devotion, and everlasting affection. Rings, bracelets, and brooches featured snakes coiled around the finger or wrist, frequently set with gemstones-rubies for passion, emeralds for hope, diamonds for eternity. Eyes were sometimes picked out with tiny gems, lending the serpent an almost lifelike presence.

As the Victorian era progressed, meanings deepened. During the mourning periods following Prince Albert’s death, snake motifs were incorporated into memorial jewellery, reinforcing associations with immortality and the unbroken bond between the living and the dead.

Edwardian Era (1901-1914): Elegance and Subtle Symbolism

The Edwardian period favoured lightness, refinement, and sophistication, and snake motifs became more delicate and less overt. Advances in platinum work allowed jewellers to create airy, lace-like designs, and serpents were often stylised rather than naturalistic.

In Edwardian jewellery, snakes retained their associations with eternal love and wisdom but were presented in a more discreet, decorative manner. They might appear entwined within garlands, subtly forming a bracelet or necklace rather than dominating the design. The symbolism remained, but it whispered rather than proclaimed.

Art Deco Period (1920s-1930s): Power, Modernity, and Transformation

By the Art Deco period, the snake had shed its romantic softness and emerged as a symbol of power, confidence, and modernity. Influenced by ancient Egyptian, Asian, and geometric design, Art Deco snake jewellery was bold and striking.

Pieces from this era often feature highly stylised serpents, rendered in strong lines and contrasting materials. Onyx, coral, jade, diamonds, and enamel were used to dramatic effect. The snake became a statement motif-less about sentimentality and more about strength, independence, and transformation, reflecting the changing role of women in society.

An Enduring Emblem

Across centuries and styles, the snake has remained one of jewellery’s most compelling symbols. Whether representing eternal love, rebirth, protection, or personal power, antique snake jewellery offers a fascinating glimpse into the values and emotions of the past. Today, these pieces continue to captivate collectors not only for their beauty, but for the rich layers of meaning coiled within their designs.

At Laurelle Antique Jewellery we have a wide range of antique snake and serpent jewellery chosen from the Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco periods.