Queen Victoria’s engagement ring was both unique and highly symbolic. Unlike the diamond solitaire rings common today, Queen Victoria's ring featured a coiled snake, which held deep significance in the 19th century. In Victorian symbolism, snakes were not seen as menacing creatures but as symbols of eternal love, wisdom, and protection. This association stemmed from ancient Roman traditions, where serpents were connected to fidelity and the idea of everlasting union due to their ability to shed their skin and seemingly renew themselves.
Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s beloved consort, had the ring designed specifically for her in 1839. The snake motif also reflected the era’s fascination with mythology and nature, prominent themes in Victorian art and culture. Additionally, the snake was set with an emerald, Queen Victoria's birthstone, adding a personal touch that further symbolized their deep connection.
The engagement ring marked the beginning of a historic and deeply loving marriage between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who would go on to share an exceptionally close bond throughout their lives. Prince Albert was not only her husband but also her confidant and advisor. The couple’s marriage was filled with mutual respect and affection, and their love story is considered one of the greatest royal romances.
After Prince Albert’s untimely death in 1861, Queen Victoria famously mourned him for the rest of her life, underscoring the enduring love and devotion that her snake engagement ring had come to represent. Symbolising eternity and immortality, the serpent ring was perhaps a prophetic symbol of how Prince Albert’s love would remain with her even after his death.
Queen Victoria’s snake engagement ring also had a lasting impact on jewelry trends in the 19th century. The Victorian era saw a rise in the popularity of symbolic and sentimental jewelry, with serpentine motifs becoming a fashionable trend. People were drawn to the deeper meanings and romantic connotations behind such designs, and the influence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s love story surely played a significant role in this shift.
If you loved Queen Victoria's snake ring, make sure to check out all the stunning snake-inspired jewelry we have for you!
Queen Victoria's Snake Engagement Ring
