Ca. 1st century BC - 1st century AD. A silver ring fashioned into the form of a coiled serpent, the ring is crafted from a single piece of gleaming silver wire, skillfully tapered from its narrowest point at the tail to its broad and flat head with recessed eyes. The serpent's scales are intricately engraved, with delicate attention to detail, on the upper portion of the ring, creating a lifelike texture that shimmers in the light. The interior of the ring has been carefully smoothed and worked for maximum comfort during wear, ensuring that the wearer can appreciate the beauty of the ring without discomfort. Snake rings have a long history in Roman culture, with serpents being a common motif in Roman jewelry. Snakes were often associated with regeneration and renewal and were seen as symbols of power, wisdom, and protection. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Roman snake rings were also believed to have protective and magical properties. It was believed that the serpents coiled around the finger would act as guardians against evil spirits and bad luck, making these rings not just beautiful adornments, but also powerful talismans. For a similar, but in gold see The British Museum, Registration number 1917,0501.950.Size: D: 17.12mm / US: 6 3/4 / UK: N; 6.48gProvenance: Private London collection, UK art market before 2000.