Serpentis by Folium: Where Ancient Symbolism Meets Modern Desire
Image Source: Folium
In a world of fast trends and fleeting sparkle, Serpentis, the new collection by Folium, arrives with a quieter, more magnetic power. Founded by master goldsmith Myles Ryan, Folium has always spoken to those who value craft, symbolism, and soul. With Serpentis, the brand leans fully into that philosophy creating jewelry that feels not merely worn, but felt.
Serpentis is a contemporary homage to one of humanity’s oldest and most charged symbols: the serpent. Across cultures and centuries, the serpent has represented wisdom, resilience, transformation, and protection. In Ryan’s hands, those meanings are translated into hand-engraved gold and platinum, where each scale is patiently carved to create a living surface one that ripples with light and shadow as the piece moves with the body. Motion, here, is not implied; it’s embodied.
The visual language of the collection draws inspiration from ceremonial rattlesnake motifs of the American Southwest. There’s a grounded, almost elemental quality to the designs rooted in the land, but elevated through meticulous craftsmanship. Engraved scales flow rhythmically across rings, pendants, and bracelets, lending the jewelry a sense of quiet animation. These are pieces that feel alive, humming softly with intention.
That energy is deeply personal. Ryan recalls formative encounters with rattlesnakes during his childhood in Northern California moments that were less about fear and more about reverence. Peaceful, unassuming, yet unmistakably powerful when challenged, the rattlesnake became a lasting symbol for him. Serpentis channels that duality: calm strength, elegance paired with readiness, beauty sharpened by meaning.
Image Source: Folium
Aesthetically, the collection strikes a compelling balance between vintage references and bold, unconventional execution. There’s an old-world sensibility in the engraving, a nod to traditional goldsmithing techniques that are increasingly rare. Yet the forms themselves feel decidedly modern confident, sensual, and slightly subversive. Ryan describes the work as a union of heritage and audacity, and that tension is precisely what makes Serpentis so captivating.
In an era dominated by shortcuts and surface-level luxury, Folium’s commitment to hand engraving stands apart. Each mark carries depth, texture, and human presence qualities that cannot be replicated by machines. It’s jewelry with a pulse, designed to age beautifully and accrue meaning over time.
Image Source: Folium
Which brings us, quite naturally, to Valentine’s Day. Serpentis may not be the obvious choice for those who default to predictable hearts and red roses but that’s exactly its strength. To gift Serpentis is to offer more than adornment; it’s a symbol of protection, devotion, and enduring connection. A serpent, after all, is not fleeting romance it’s loyalty, transformation, and shared power.
For the partner who values individuality, craftsmanship, and pieces that tell a story, Serpentis is a strikingly modern expression of love. It says: I see your strength. I honor your depth. I choose something as lasting as you.