Victorian Gold and Turquoise Serpent Necklace

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Victorian Gold and Turquoise Serpent Necklace

About the Item

A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace, the flexible tapering yellow gold body formed of three rows of scale-like collets each set with a round cabochon-cut turquoise, the head encrusted with cabochon-cut turquoises of various shapes, the brows and the mouth set with rose-cut diamonds and the eyes with cabochon-cut rubies, all mounted in yellow gold, circa 1850, measuring approximately 39.5cm long, gross weight 39.5 grams, a similar example is illustrated in Understanding Jewellery, by David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti, plate 108. A Victorian gold and turquoise necklace in excellent condition. Unmarked, tested as 15ct gold and silver. This exceptional Victorian serpent necklace comes from the collection of Bentley & Skinner, the London jewellers by appointment to both Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. Serpent motifs in jewellery became popular in the early Victorian era after Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria a serpent ring for their engagement, and the image of the serpent came to symbolise fidelity and everlasting love. The interest in serpent motifs also coincided with new archaeological discoveries from Ancient Egypt, and many examples of ancient serpent jewellery were found. This necklace features flexible links of golden scales set with cabochon-cut turquoises that taper in size to form the remarkably lifelike body of the serpent. The head of the serpent features glowing ruby eyes and facial details studded with glittering diamonds. The clasp of the necklace is in the snake’s open mouth, which has the added detail of realistic teeth. To the Ancient Egyptians, the motif of a snake eating its own tale (the ouroboros) symbolized the cyclical nature of life, and when closed, this necklace forms a perfect ouroboros symbol. Should you choose to make this purchase we will delighted to send it to you in a Bentley & Skinner handmade leather case packed in a gift-wrapped Bentley & Skinner black and gold presentation box. Shortly afterwards we will send you on a valuation for insurance purposes for your reference and safekeeping.

Metal:
Gold,15k Gold,Yellow Gold,Silver
Stone:
Diamond,Ruby,Turquoise
Stone Cut:
Round Cut
Style:
High Victorian
Place of Origin:
United Kingdom
Period:
Mid-19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1850
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: 33760M1stDibs: LU57611186452