Burglars stole a family heirloom as part of a haul of jewellery and electronics.

The distinctive gold snake ring, which has an emerald for the nose and two diamonds for the eyes, dates back to 1840.

It was stolen in a burglary in Battlefield Road, St Albans, on Friday, January 29.

The thieves forced open a patio door between 9.20am and 6.45pm.

Among other items stolen were an octagonal silver ring with emerald stone, a gold ring with interlocking blue and diamond stones and diamonds in the gold band and silver Swarovski earrings.

A Seiko wristwatch, a trombone, a black Sony DSC-HX100 digital camera, an Apple iPad and a black Sony LED television were also taken.

Detective Constable Zoe Austwick from the St Albans local crime unit is investigating.

She said: “The rings stolen are very identifiable as they are so unique and all are very precious to the family.

“The gold snake ring in particular holds significant sentimental value as it has long been a family heirloom, which dates back to 1840. It was due to be passed to the next generation of the family shortly and so obviously the victims are keen for its return.

“I would like to hear from anyone who has been offered these items for sale or knows of their whereabouts. Equally, anyone who witnessed any suspicious or unusual activity in the area around the time of the burglary should contact me.

"Any information, however seemingly insignificant, could prove very useful to my investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact DC Austwick on Hertfordshire Constabulary’s non-emergency number 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org