Since the days of Ancient Rome, rings have been adapted to be not just decorative objects, but also useful ones. Sometimes they are also lockets (to hold poison as well as mementos), or they are watches, or as in the case of this ring, they are also keys. This dual use is both very clever, and also just plain good common sense. Since the ring is worn on the hand, the key remains as close to the owner as is possible and is always conveniently available when needed. This incredible, and rare Victorian signet seal ring holds a key that discreetly tucks under the head of the ring. The key would have opened a coffer aka a small box used to hold jewelry, money, or other valuables. The face of the ring features two snakes coiled around an intaglio of a woman holding a single flower.