A rare antique jewellery masterpiece! This beautiful sterling silver coiled snake bracelet dates to about 1830, very high quality with realistic detailing and little pink ruby gemstone eyes, he is an absolute beauty!
A fashionable jewellery motif in the19th century the snake symbolised eternal love. Snakes and serpents were particularly popular with the Victorians who saw adored symbolism but we do think this bracelet predates the Victorian age and is likely Georgian when the snake motif was a little less commonplace.
Exquisite craftsmanship, multiple strands of silver wire, almost as thin as a single hair, are woven together to form the flexible body and create the illusion of scales. The snake’s head is hand-engraved in realistic features with each of the serpent’s teeth and its forked tongue crafted with the same incredible level of skill. Tiny real ruby cabochons are set into bezels forming the beady pink red eyes that give a mesmerising come hither look.
Two removeable silver collars complete this elegant and very feminine bracelet holding it in place. The bracelet is flexible with a 12" overall length so it can be adjusted to fit most wrist sizes. The collars slide around to anchor it in the perfect position.
This bracelet is in wonderful condition for its age and despite it's intricate and delicate construction it is surprisingly strong and durable. A rare survivor and a unique addition to your antique jewellery collection!
MATERIALS: sterling silver, acid tested
GEMSTONE: natural rubies, 2.5mm diameter, Presidium tested and verified
MEASUREMENTS: 12" (30.5cm) long end to end, head 9mm wide, body 6mm diameter
DATE: 1830 Georgian, early Victorian
WEIGHT: 11 grams