Looking for jewelry that makes people stop and stare? The Dali Lips Ring and the Ouroboros Snake Cuff from Perry Gargano might be exactly what you need. These aren’t your typical pieces. They combine art history with modern craftsmanship. One draws from surrealist painting. The other pulls from ancient symbolism. Both are handmade in Brooklyn and designed to last.
Perry Gargano creates jewelry that tells stories. Founded in 2009 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the brand draws from natural history and iconography. Voted “Best Local Jewelry Store” by Lucky magazine, Perry Gargano has built a reputation for unique, imaginative pieces that celebrities and art lovers adore.
This review looks at both pieces honestly. We’ll cover design, quality, wearability, and value. You’ll know if these pieces fit your style by the end.
The Dali Lips Ring: Surrealism on Your Finger
What Is It?
The Dali Lips Ring takes inspiration from Salvador Dali’s “Mae West Lips Sofa,” a surreal furniture piece that turned lips into art. This ring captures that same playful spirit. It features a set of pouty lips sculpted in metal. You can get it in sterling silver or warm gold brass.
The ring works for everyday wear or special occasions. It’s bold but not overwhelming. The lips sit comfortably on your finger without feeling heavy.
Design and Craftsmanship
Each piece is handmade by Perry Gargano and his staff in Brooklyn, New York. You can see the attention to detail. The lips have texture. They curve naturally. The metal has a slight roughness that gives it character.
The sterling silver version starts at $124. The gold brass version costs the same. Neither has plating. That means no coating to wear off over time. The brass develops a natural patina as you wear it.
Both materials are waterproof. You don’t need to worry about washing your hands or getting caught in rain. This ring handles daily life.
Who Should Wear It?
This ring appeals to people who like conversation pieces. If you appreciate art history, you’ll love the connection to Dali. If you want something different from standard jewelry, this delivers.
The ring fits people who aren’t afraid to be noticed. It’s unique. People will ask about it. That’s part of the charm.
Pros of the Dali Lips Ring
First, the design stands out immediately. You won’t see this at every jewelry store. Second, the quality feels solid. The metal has weight. It doesn’t feel cheap. Third, it’s versatile. You can dress it up or down. Fourth, the price is fair for handmade jewelry. Fifth, no plating means it lasts longer than costume jewelry.
Cons to Consider
The bold design isn’t for everyone. If you prefer subtle jewelry, this might feel too loud. The ring has a specific size. If it doesn’t fit perfectly, resizing can be tricky with this design. Some people might find the lips a bit too literal. It’s not abstract. It’s clearly lips.
The Ouroboros Snake Cuff: Ancient Symbol, Modern Statement
What Is It?
The Ouroboros Snake Cuff features an ancient symbol representing rebirth, eternity, protection, and self-reliance. The ouroboros shows a snake eating its own tail. It forms a complete circle. This image appears in many cultures throughout history.
Perry Gargano designs this as an elegant statement piece with a hinge and clasp. The snake wraps around your wrist in solid metal. Available in sterling silver or brass, it comes in two sizes to fit different wrists.
Design Quality
The snake detail impresses. You can see individual scales. The head and tail meet perfectly. The craftsmanship shows in how the hinge works. It opens smoothly. The clasp holds securely.
The cuff is handmade in Brooklyn, USA. Like all Perry Gargano pieces, it uses solid metal with no plating. The sterling silver version has a bright finish. The brass version glows with warm gold tones.
The cuff measures about 2.25 to 2.38 inches wide, depending on size. You measure your wrist flat from right to left to find your fit.
Symbolism and Meaning
The ouroboros carries deep meaning. Ancient Egyptians used it. Greek philosophers studied it. Alchemists drew it in their texts. It represents cycles. Life and death. Endings that become beginnings.
Wearing this cuff connects you to that history. It’s not just decoration. It’s a symbol that spans thousands of years.
Who Should Buy It?
This cuff works for people who love meaningful jewelry. If symbols matter to you, this piece speaks volumes. It suits both men and women. The design feels gender-neutral.
People who like bold accessories will appreciate the statement it makes. It’s not delicate. It commands attention without being flashy.
Pros of the Ouroboros Cuff
The symbolism adds depth beyond appearance. The hinge design makes it easy to put on and take off. The clasp ensures it stays secure. The craftsmanship shows in every detail. It’s substantial without being uncomfortable. The solid metal means it lasts. You can pass this down. Both material options look great.
Cons Worth Noting
The cuff has a specific look. Not everyone connects with snake imagery. The price sits higher than mass-produced jewelry. At around $178 to $225, it’s an investment. The bold design might not work for conservative dress codes. You need to measure carefully for the right fit. Returns can be tricky with custom-fit pieces.
Comparing the Two Pieces
Both pieces share common strengths. They’re handmade. They use quality materials. They reference art or history. They make statements.
The Dali Lips Ring feels more playful. It’s whimsical. The Ouroboros Cuff feels more serious. It carries weight beyond aesthetics.
Price-wise, the ring costs less. It’s more accessible. The cuff costs more but offers a larger piece with more metal.
For everyday wear, the ring wins. It’s easier to style with different looks. The cuff demands more intentional outfit choices.
Care and Maintenance
Both pieces need basic care. For sterling silver, keep it away from chemicals. Hairspray, chlorine, and lotion can tarnish it. Store in an airtight container when not wearing. Polish with a jewelry cloth when it dulls.
For brass, the same rules apply. The metal develops patina over time. Some people love this aged look. Others prefer to keep it shiny. Clean with warm water and dish soap. Use a jewelry polishing cloth for shine.
The oils from your hands actually protect the metal when you wear it regularly. These pieces improve with use.
Value for Money
Handmade jewelry costs more than mass-produced pieces. That’s expected. The question is whether you get what you pay for.
With Perry Gargano, you do. The craftsmanship justifies the price. These aren’t churned out in factories. Each piece gets individual attention. The materials are solid. The designs are original.
Compare these to designer jewelry at department stores. Those often have plating. They cost similar amounts. But they won’t last as long. They don’t have the same artistic vision behind them.
If you value unique design and lasting quality, the price makes sense.
Where to Buy
You can purchase both pieces directly from Perry Gargano. Visit their website at https://www.perrygargano.com/. They ship with tracking. The company handles returns within their policy guidelines.
They also have a physical location in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at 242 Grand Street. Visiting in person lets you see the pieces before buying. You can try them on. The staff can help with sizing.
Some retailers carry Perry Gargano pieces, but buying direct ensures you get authentic items and full customer support.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy?
The Dali Lips Ring works if you want playful, artistic jewelry that starts conversations. It’s well-made. It’s affordable for handmade work. It brings joy. Buy it if you appreciate Dali or just love unique rings.
The Ouroboros Snake Cuff suits people who want meaningful symbols. It’s an investment piece. It makes a strong statement. Buy it if you connect with the symbolism and want something that lasts decades.
Both pieces deliver quality. Neither disappoints on craftsmanship. Your choice depends on personal style and which piece speaks to you.
Perry Gargano creates jewelry that goes beyond decoration. These pieces tell stories. They reference culture and history. They’re made with care in Brooklyn by skilled hands.
If you’re tired of seeing the same jewelry everywhere, these pieces offer something different. They’re not for everyone. That’s the point. They’re for people who want their accessories to mean something.
The Dali Lips Ring brings art history to your daily wardrobe. The Ouroboros Snake Cuff connects you to ancient wisdom. Both are conversation starters. Both are investment pieces that last.
Choose based on what resonates with you. Either way, you’re getting thoughtful design and solid craftsmanship from a respected Brooklyn jeweler.
