A VICTORIAN GARNET SERPENT NECKLACE, CIRCA 1880

Designed as a highly stylised flexible serpent, the textured gold head and eyes set with oval-shaped cabochon garnets, its mouth suspending a...

A VICTORIAN GARNET SERPENT NECKLACE, CIRCA 1880

Designed as a highly stylised flexible serpent, the textured gold head and eyes set with oval-shaped cabochon garnets, its mouth suspending a heart-shaped locket set with a similarly-cut garnet and to reveal on the reverse a glazed compartment, terminating with a graduated snake-link chain, mounted in gold, with fitted case, length 41.5cm,

 

Throughout her long reign, Queen Victoria was regarded not only as a monarch but as an icon, her changing tastes in fashion and jewellery being widely emulated by her people. As a result, today we can quickly recognise the major movement known widely as Victorian Jewellery.

On the occasion of her engagement to Prince Albert, he presented her with a double snake ring which he had personally designed for her. The ring was set with an emerald, the birthstone of the Queen, and another popular trend at the time.

 

The snake had long been regarded as a symbol of eternity as far back as Ancient Greek and Roman times, but these two snakes wrapping around the finger became recognised as a symbol of eternal love. Before long, serpents were adorning not only rings but also necklaces, bracelets and bangles as exemplified by these lots.

 

 

View more View less