
These Russian ouroboros hoops are made from 14k (560/1000) yellow gold, with a tiny cabochon-cut turquoise set in each head.
The ouroboros symbol of a snake biting its own tale has been known for millennia and was first used Ancient Chinese mythology. Similar symbolism is also found in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece, where it symbolized the circle of life, death, and rebirth. Through the centuries, the symbol has kept its significance in Western iconography.
Snakes have been revered as spiritual animals in many cultures, and they were also a popular animals to depict in 19th Century jewellery. Jewellery from this period was often inspired by the ouroboros and the symbolism of snakes in general.
These earrings are fashioned in a way that was typical for the early 19th Century, with a tension hook that fastens in the front, which threads through your lobe from the back to the front. This way of fastening does need some time to get adjusted to by practicing it in the mirror (at least in my experience!) but it is a surprisingly comfortable way of wearing earrings.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 21 x 16 mm / 0.84 x 0.62 inches
Weight: combined 2.75 grams.
Age: 19th Century, also known as the Victorian era, circa 1860s.
Material: Each earring carries a hallmark '56', which is the Russian equivalent of 14k gold. They also have a worn makers mark, which I, unfortunately was not able to identify.
Condition: In antique condition with some wear, consistent with their age. One earring has a few cracks in the head of the snake, which can be seen in the pictures.
Please note that this store is based in the EU. Although in most countries, antiques are exempt from taxes, buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import taxes.