Victorian Turquoise, Garnet And Diamond Necklace

Victorian Turquoise, Garnet And Diamond Necklace

Description

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 set with rose-cut diamonds and the eyes with cabochon-cut garnets, all mounted in yellow gold, circa 1840, measuring approximately 41 x 1.7cm, gross weight 49.3 grams, a similar example is illustrated in Understanding Jewellery, by David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti, plate 108.

An astonishing piece. Jewellery of all types in the shape of a serpent was extremely popular during the early Victorian period, owing partially to the snake ring given by Prince Albert to Queen Victoria on the occasion of their wedding. To the Ancient Egyptians, the motif of a snake eating its own tale (the ouroboros) symbolized the cyclical nature of life. To the Victorians, this symbol came to reflect everlasting love and fidelity. This remarkable necklace was meticulously crafted in around 1840, when serpent jewellery was at its zenith. The body of this serpent is wonderfully flexible; each collet moves and twists with a startling realism. The scales of this serpent are crafted from turquoise, a popular and romantic stone from the Victorian era. Glowing garnet eyes and glittering diamond details on the face add even more life-like appeal to this necklace. The tail of the snake delicately tapers, and clasps within the open mouth of the snake. Cleverly, the clasp mechanism has been disguised to appear as the snake’s fangs: when the necklace is closed, the serpent forms a perfect circle.