We all know the angel and devil symbolism. They are portrayed as female in this French Art Nouveau ring, which is a nice variation. The angel has birdlike wings, and there are bat wings on the she-devil. Then there's a huge snake that forms the shoulders and shank of the ring. Or looking more closely, we see a bird's head. Is it a basilisk? In European bestiaries, this legendary reptile harches from an egg, causes death to those who look into its eyes, leaves a trail of venom, has deadly breath, and only the scent of a weasel can kill it. Cool!
MATERIALS: 18k gold (marked)
AGE: c. 1910
CONDITION: Very good - minor surface wear commensurate with age and use; French hallmarks
SIZE: 7.5, cannot be resized; 1/2" head, 1/8" at the narrowest part of the shank