Seductive, Sentimental.

The Victorians were mad for sentimental jewelry. In particular, snake jewelry became immensely fashionable after Prince Albert presented Queen Victoria with a snake engagement ring.

This snake is an ouroboros, with the tail in the mouth, forming an infinite loop, symbolic of eternal love. The tapered collar is sinuous, modeled in overlapping scales allowing the collar to flex and move on the body. The sculpted head is pavé-set with cabochon turquoise, rose cut diamonds brows, and ruby eyes.

This very fine early Victorian snake collar, circa 1840/50, is a collector’s piece that is also so wearable. Similar ouroboros examples can be seen in the reference, “The Necklace,” by Daniela Mascetti and Amanda Triossi, at page 110. This ouroboros design of the Victorian snake necklace is scarcer than the later examples with the dangling lockets.

Shown layered with a long chain with a complementary turquoise set clasp, available here.

Unmarked.

18k gold and 15k gold (on tongue of clasp), turquoise, diamond, ruby.

Dimensions and weight:

●       16 inches long (wearable length)

●       9.5 mm wide at widest point (the head)/chain tapers slightly and is approximately 3.2 mm at narrowest point.

●       33.6 grams

Period: Victorian

*Please note that all dimensions and weights are approximate. Age-commensurate wear may be present.