Serpentine jewelry enthralled the ancient Egyptians and Queen Victoria, and continues to charm designers today.

Some of the most enduring motifs in jewelry design are the most striking as well, and the serpentine coils of snake jewelry keep making a comeback.
The snake can have many personalities. The rock ’n’ roll crowd has paraded it as a symbol of defiance and an indicator of street smarts. Britain’s Queen Victoria accepted an engagement ring from Prince Albert in the shape of a serpent with an emerald on its head, sparking a boom in the popularity of snake jewelry in Victorian England.

The ancient Egyptians, who revered the snake as a deity and used it to symbolize sovereignty, were naturally keen on jewels that mimicked its form. It was these early adopters who were responsible for the Ouroboros — a still-popular design that depicts a snake devouring its own tail, representing eternity. Bulgari, the favorite jewelry brand of our 20th century Cleopatra, Elizabeth Taylor, has kept the motif alive in its evergreen Serpenti collection.

Today, the snake is finding new fans who view it as an emblem of fertility and creative life force. Designers such as Elie Top are devoting collection space to diamond-scaled serpents, and antique dealers are stocking up on rings, pendants and stickpins with this motif, curating hoards that transcend centuries.

The snake jewel’s latest rebirth could well be due to an increased affinity for spirituality and talismans. It could also tie into the jewelry community’s renewed enthusiasm for Egyptology. Either way, this is an eternally alluring trend that simply sheds its skin and starts afresh when the time is right — and that time is now.

Fred Leighton antique Victorian snake bracelet in 18-karat gold with red enamel, Colombian emeralds, and old mine and rose-cut diamonds, circa 1860s.
Fred Leighton antique Victorian snake bracelet in 18-karat gold with red enamel, Colombian emeralds, and old mine and rose-cut diamonds, circa 1860s.
Fabio Salini Turquoise Snake earrings with carved turquoise, rubies and diamonds in 18-karat gold.
Fabio Salini Turquoise Snake earrings with carved turquoise, rubies and diamonds in 18-karat gold.
Effy Safari Snake ring in 14-karat gold with cognac diamonds, white diamonds and tsavorites.
Effy Safari Snake ring in 14-karat gold with cognac diamonds, white diamonds and tsavorites.
Wilson’s Estate Jewelry antique Victorian Snake stickpin in 14-karat gold with an opal cabochon, circa 1900.
Wilson’s Estate Jewelry antique Victorian Snake stickpin in 14-karat gold with an opal cabochon, circa 1900.
Jenna Blake x Muzo Snake ring with diamonds and Muzo emeralds in 18-karat gold.
Jenna Blake x Muzo Snake ring with diamonds and Muzo emeralds in 18-karat gold.
Dima Snake earrings in 18-karat gold with black jade, ruby and diamonds.
Dima Snake earrings in 18-karat gold with black jade, ruby and diamonds.
Anthony Lent Double-headed Serpent ring in 18-karat gold with diamonds and a green tourmaline cabochon.
Anthony Lent Double-headed Serpent ring in 18-karat gold with diamonds and a green tourmaline cabochon.
Terzihan Snake double-finger ring in 18-karat rose gold with white and champagne diamonds.
Terzihan Snake double-finger ring in 18-karat rose gold with white and champagne diamonds.

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