Snake, rattle and roll to show devotion

This Valentine's Day forget hearts — serpents are the new love symbol, says TV auctioneer Charles Hanson

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A diamond and sapphire enamelled serpent ring sold for £1,100 at Hanson's recent sale

FORGET chocolate and Champagne this February 14; if you really want to charm your partner then you should embrace the latest trend in antique jewellery - snakes.

It might seem odd to us today, but venomous serpents have featured in jewellery from the earliest times. It was the Victorians who popularised the ouroboros - a tail-eating snake seen as a symbol of everlasting love.

The craze for the coiling creature is being by driven in part by Gen-Zs who are leading the move away from disposable fashion into more sustainable areas, like antique jewellery.

Gen-Zs love a story. They want unique and authentic. And serpent jewellery ideally fits the bill.