The snake is an emblematic cold-blooded animal known to all and which unleashes passions: on the one hand those who fear it, on the other those who admire and adore it.
On the other hand, when it comes to jewelry bearing his image, they are unanimously appreciated! Indeed, rings and other snake jewelry are very popular in the jewelry and fashion world.
Snake jewelry is not only simple ornaments and decorative objects, but also among the oldest mythological, historical and cultural symbols.
This jewelry, especially snake rings, are very common in the jewelry world. These fascinating reptiles have inspired many jewelers throughout history. Therefore, snake jewelry has many meanings in many countries and civilizations.
If you're here, it's because like us, you're probably fascinated by snakes and the history of jewelry, especially the rings chosen and worn by some of the most important figures in history.
So, read on, because the wonderful adventure of snake jewelry through the centuries will surely arouse your interest.
In this article, we propose to take you on a tour of the meanings attributed to snake jewelry through the civilizations and ages! You will find in the 3rd part of this article the Rings, Bracelets and Necklaces Snake, and the meaning of each of these jewels!
I - History of the Snake, an emblematic animal, in Jewelry
1) An ancient symbolism
Snakes have adorned humans since ancient times. Their particular shape makes them a perfect inspiration for rings, bracelets and necklaces.
Compared to most ancient jewelry, the origin of snake jewelry is very easy to trace. Simply because many manufactured rings and necklaces contain a lot of gold.
Serpentine style jewelry is usually associated with the ancient Egyptians (for example, those with a combination of turquoise enamel and gold jewelry). Because they have marked the world after the excavation of the tomb of Tutankhamen in Egypt.
However, the Egyptian civilization is far from the only civilization to have made and proudly worn snake jewelry.
Although serpentine designs have always existed in jewelry, the symbolism of snakes has developed over the past 6,000 years. In ancient times, the snake represented a form of wisdom, eternity and a guardian spirit.
For most of the 19th century, they symbolized eternal love. But by the end of the 20th century, they were considered dangerous and sinister symbols.
2) The Symbolism of Snake Jewelry in different Civilizations
The origin of the symbolism of the snake goes back thousands of years. Many civilizations interpret this creature as special, and give it different meanings: good, evil, rebirth, poison, fertility, death.
Although historically snakes sometimes have negative connotations, most are positive.
Thus, throughout history, the interest of different civilizations towards snakes has never ceased, but not all of them gave him the same meanings:
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The Romans had different interpretations of these animals, from eternal love to symbols of wisdom.
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The Greeks also believed that the snake was a symbol of wisdom. The snake of the god of medicine Aesculapius (or Asclepius) is wrapped around his staff.
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To the pharaohs of Egypt, the snake represented royalty and sanctity. They wore them as sacred pendants around their necks.
- There are also snake gods in the religious beliefs of the Maya and Aztecs. These gods are traditionally revered and respected because they represent knowledge and protection.
- Hindus, Hebrews, African Americans and Native Americans have given this slender creature various meanings. These range from rebirth and transformation to sex and desire.
As a result of archaeological excavations, we have discovered that these different peoples and civilizations wore a lot of jewelry with snake ornaments. Whether it is an amulet to defend against evil forces, or a bracelet that should bring passion and fertility to the wearer.
If you want to know more about the "Snake Symbol", we have written a very complete article on this subject for you!
II - Snake Ring Meaning
1) Symbolism and history of snake rings
Wearing a simple ring is often already symbolic, especially depending on the finger where you wear this jewel.
Throughout the ages and civilizations, all the people who mastered the art of forging and jewelry have made Snake Rings. For a long time these rings were made from precious materials (gold and silver). They were therefore reserved for the richest and most powerful people.
Indeed, snake rings, unique pieces fashioned in the image of a python, boa, viper or any other breed of this legendary reptile, are among the oldest rings worn by humans.
The symbolism and style of snake rings have evolved over time, however. For the earliest people, the snake was a symbol of fertility, healing and protection. They believed that snakes were immortal and that they became young again after losing their skin. It was also a local belief that kissing a snake could heal wounds.
Jewelry featuring snakes has been worn and worshipped by many ancient and modern civilizations, each with a particular meaning.
Ancient civilizations such as the Mayans and Aztecs, for example, had snake gods in their religions (Kukulkan comes to mind). These gods were traditionally worshipped to represent knowledge and protection.
Many of our snake rings take up the symbolism of this legendary animal by representing it in different ways, suggesting that these rings are designed as marks of love and affection.
It should be noted that snakes are also very present in the myths of ancient Greece and Rome. They were worshipped for their ability to shed their skin, they were considered a symbol of regeneration and rebirth.
2) Snake ring in art and decoration
In the Art Deco era, jewelry with snakes and other themes associated with the ancient Egyptians such as enamel, gemstones combined with yellow gold jewelry and scarabs were all incredibly popular following the excavation of Tutankhamen's tomb in Egypt.
3) Snake Ring in "Art Nouveau"
In the Art Nouveau era, snakes were in vogue because they fit well with the popular design styles of sleek, flowing lines in jewelry. Exotic designs featuring bright, primary colors using enamel, paste and gemstones were also in vogue.
This tropical style blends well with snakes and their colorful scales leaving the imagination of the most ingenious designers free to run wild.
4) The popularity of snake rings today
Another factor that explains the popularity of snake rings throughout history and peoples until today, is that the process of manufacturing jewelry has changed rapidly after the industrial revolution.
Designers and workshops have only evolved. The signet rings, rings ... Are now manufactured more quickly and easily than with the ancestral techniques of the time. The cost of jewelry has been greatly reduced, making the pieces much more accessible and not only reserved for an elite.
In addition to all its profound meanings, the snake's elegance, power, ferocity and intoxicating scales are all factors contributing to its charm and success. In addition, its sinuous shape means that the jewelry can wrap around the wearer: another reason why snake rings and bracelets retain their popularity today.
So, as you can see, the meaning of these particular pieces of jewelry could vary from culture to culture. However, to summarize, here is the list of the most common meanings attributed to snake rings:
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Vitality and rebirth, pictured by the snake changing its skin
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Eternal Love: like Queen Victoria, giving a snake ring to one's partner is a symbol of eternal love.
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Power: especially in Eastern and Egyptian cultures (pharaohs), powerful leaders often wore snake rings. These rings, usually made of solid gold, symbolized the fearsome and dangerous aspect of their wearer.
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Unity of Body and Spirit: wearing a snake ring in the shape of Ouroboros (the snake that bites its tail), symbolizes the inner peace of the wearer.
III - The popularity of snake jewelry throughout history
If snake jewelry has been very popular throughout history, it is also because it has been worn by famous and influential people.
1) The snake ring of Queen VIctoria
If Queen Cleopatra is well known to adorn herself with numerous jewels from head to toe, and in particular snake jewels, it is to someone else that we owe the popularity of these wonderful jewels today.
Indeed, it was in 1839 that history and legend gave way to the snake, which has become one of the most iconic designs in jewelry. It was at this time that Queen Victoria was engaged to Prince Albert. Prince Albert gave his beloved a ring in the shape of a snake for the engagement, which signified eternal love.
This majestic ring was set with an emerald, the queen's birthstone. At the time, it was customary for an engagement ring to bear the birthstone of the person to whom it was given.
This Victorian style, which gives personal meaning to jewelry, is known as "Acrostic Jewelry" and Queen Victoria was even buried in 1901 with this ring, which has inspired and amazed many people.
Queen Victoria's ring was so admired, it set a trend throughout England, and later throughout Europe! In particular, it spawned a line of snake rings, necklaces and flexible spiral bracelets with gem-set heads.
All of this jewelry was intended for the wealthy classes of society, and most of it was set with precious stones. It wasn't until the Industrial Revolution that the jewelry making process evolved. Pieces were made much faster than they had been laboriously handcrafted before. This also meant that the cost of jewelry was greatly reduced, making the pieces much more accessible to people of modest means.
2) The Most Famous Snake Jewelry
The most famous Snake Necklace comes from the jeweler Cartier and was made in 1968 for the Mexican actress María Félix. It was mounted in platinum with 2473 diamonds! The bottom side is enameled in red, green and black, so the piece is completely reversible.
From the 1940s to today, Bulgari has used a special technique called Tubogas to make very intricate snake jewelry. For example, this luxury jewelry store created a unique watch band for actress Elizabeth Taylor.
The brand also made a belt for Diana Vreeland, editor of Vogue magazine at the time, and turned it into a necklace. The latter wrote at the time: "Remember the snake. It should appear on every finger and wrist.The snake is the gold standard in jewelry. You will never see it. Enough".
For Victorian modern art collectors and designers, the statement still holds true today. Mrs. Friedland is thus quite right: the snake is a piece of jewelry that will continue to be loved and inspired by people all over the world, and this forever.
IV - Meaning Of Other Snake Jewelry
There is an overall meaning of snake jewelry, as we saw earlier in this article ⬆️. However, it is possible to attach a particular symbolism to the Three Main Types of Snake Jewelry: ring, bracelet and necklace.
We have already presented you the meaning of the snake ring previously, so let's see now the meaning of necklaces and bracelets.
1) Snake Bracelet Meaning
Snakes are one of the oldest and most widespread mythological symbols. This is the reason why snakes are so often represented in jewelry. Their body capable of contortion fascinates, and allows by its shape to fit perfectly to a spiral necklace or a bracelet for example.
The bracelets are a timeless fashion accessory that have been present in all civilizations and this since the dawn of time.
The snake being also a legendary animal that has crossed history, it is not surprising that snake bracelets is designed.
Thus, the oldest traces of snake bracelets go back to ancient Egypt, and even to the Mesopotamian Civilization (dating from more than 3000 years before Christ, and located in the current Middle East).
Unlike the ring and the necklace, the snake bracelet has much more physical than spiritual meanings. Here are the meanings most often attributed to the wearing of a snake bracelet:
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Wisdom and Strength: a bracelet being worn around the wrist, it is therefore connected to the arm: the universal symbol of raw strength. Wearing a snake bracelet symbolizes precision and wisdom in the use of force. Like the snake that chooses precisely when to attack and deliver its deadly venom.
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Address: The wrist is connected to the hand. Hand which is the reflection of the dexterity and the skill of a person. The snake is known for its agility and speed.
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Resistance and Transformation: many traces left by our ancestors lead us to believe that people who were close to death (illness, fight, snake bite, ...) wore a bracelet in the shape of a snake to symbolize this. People who have experienced serious things in their lives and have come out of them transformed, may also wear this bracelet with this symbolism. The snake signifies transformation by its regular shedding (skin renewal).
If you are a lover of jewelry worn on the wrist, we advise you to visit our specialized store offering many bracelets of various cultural inspirations.
2) Necklace Snake Meaning
Although all peoples have made necklaces and pendants, snake motifs are less common on this jewelry than on rings and bracelets. However, they still have a strong symbolism, especially in the Nordic countries.
The snake necklaces have a meaning turned towards the Spiritual. We used to wear these jewels (and we still do!) as amulets to protect ourselves from bad omens or to get favors from a deity. Some of the symbolism of the snake necklace:
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Cunning: The snake as a representative of cunning and deception has always been part of the human imagination. Wearing a snake necklace symbolizes the cunning of the wearer, which he can use to achieve his goal. But the cunning symbol of the snake necklace can also be applied to commerce. Hermes for example (the Greek god of commerce) is represented by a staff wrapped around two snakes.
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Spiritual Elevation: The snake is a universal symbol of connection and balance between two opposites (heaven and earth, good and bad, male and female ...). Wearing a serpentine necklace means that the wearer has found balance in the universe and that his efforts to find balance have been successful. In the ancient Nordic culture, people who wear such jewelry are usually wise, experienced and helpful.
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Protection: Snakes are dangerous and deadly animals. Wearing a necklace adorned with snakes means that we have the ability to defend ourselves and protect those we love. In the Nordic culture, snakes are considered powerful animals, as the mythological monster Jörmungandr perfectly illustrates. This snake has evil connotations in Norse mythology. Worn as a necklace, it symbolizes the evil that the wearer of this necklace is ready to commit if someone is about to attack him or his relatives.
V - Snake-Fashion Rings
Today, the sinuous curve of the snake's body continues to lend an unmistakable and unparalleled femininity to the design of this jewelry and the wearer. Even if some rings for men represent a snake with an aggressive style, and show the danger and the bestial side of the man who wears them.
Thus, at Snake-Fashion®, we wish to offer the possibility to all those who wish it to wear these splendid and atypical jewels with the daily newspaper. Our products are manufactured and selected with the greatest care, so that they meet strict quality criteria.
Our jewelry is imbued with know-how. This can be seen in the beautiful enameling of some of our pieces, capable of capturing the vivid colors of a snake's body.
We have the largest collection of Snake Rings on the market! Our rings feature the dangerous design of the snake, either in 925 Silver or 316L Stainless Steel (also known as Surgical Steel). We also offer snake jewelry with sparkling ruby or emerald eyes.
Our fine snake bracelets can enhance your wrist or arm. Adding an extremely refined and seductive touch, even if it warns...
The Snake-Fashion® jewels combine seduction, ferocity and non-conformism, so that everyone can fully express their personality! They are an original style of accessory with a real symbolism, to stand out in our contemporary society.
Snakes have marked the History of Jewelry since Man covers himself with jewelry. And this because the symbolism of the snake is one of the richest of all. If snake jewelry remains a timeless style even today, it is thanks to this combination between the unique shape of the snake that allows it to wrap around the wearer, and this strong symbolism.
It is exciting to note that despite the Dangerousness of this animal, especially because of the snake venom, it remains very present in the history of Man who has developed an important Mythology around this incredible reptile.
We hope you have enjoyed this article. If you feel ready to take the plunge and get your first snake ring, you can choose between several models in our wide range of rings!
There is a snake ring for every budget and every style, so go ahead and express your style and personality!
