This ring has a special story. A customer came to me with a picture of a ring he had worn everyday since the early 60s. He was heartbroken after losing it but was relieved when his grandson found my work online. He asked me to remake it, and we worked on several versions until he was happy. The final piece felt familiar and comforting to him, even though it was slightly different from the original. He said it felt it was meant to be and marked a new beginning.
With his permission, I made a batch of the rings after the positive response on Instagram. I asked him to name the piece, and he chose “Ojo de Medusa,” meaning Eye of Medusa, to symbolize his acceptance of the wild, untamed aspects of nature, sex, and femininity. He humorously added with a smirk that he has had his heart broken by many beautiful, free-spirited women.
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Snakes and serpents have been powerful symbols in many cultures throughout history, often appearing in art. They represent a wide range of meanings, from healing and wisdom to evil and death. Different cultures interpret snakes in various ways, influenced by the species’ deadliness and local beliefs. For example, in some cultures snakes symbolize original sin, while in others they are symbols of wisdom, protection and health.
In Greek mythology, Erichthonius, the king of Athens, was born with a snake’s tail from the union of Athena and Hephaestus. Snakes symbolize fertility and the earth goddess, and are linked to Dionysus, representing lust and charm.
In Christianity, the snake in Eden symbolizes lust and temptation. Historically, women and snakes together often symbolize danger. For example, Medusa and the Japanese yōkai Nure-onna, both with snake-like features, represent the perils of lust.
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This is a 925 sterling silver ring with a hand painted eye set in between the slivers of the snakes. Each piece is handmade using vintage or antique eyes and the natural imperfections are part of the charm of the eyes we use.
