Antique Diamond & Enamel Snake Bangle

The snake motif was quite in vogue during the reign of HRH Queen Victoria and has remained so in the jewelry fashion world of today. Its sensuous and sinewy configuration lends insight into why this design has been both worshiped and held at a distance.

Rendered in 15k yellow gold, this late 19th century bangle bracelet has been ingeniously fabricated; hinged in four locations, the design enables the bracelet to be worn within a range of wrist sizes. Evocatively coiling around the wrist, its guilloche cobalt blue enameled head rises up exposing scale-like subtleties within the surface of the enamel. Set with nine (9) diamonds (with an estimated total diamond weight of .40 points), six rose cuts represent the eyes and smaller stones as three cushion and old mine cuts encase the top of the head. Serpentine-like scrolls and curves of gold emerge through the blue enameling echoing writhing reptilian movements. Its mouth slightly agape gives a view to four fangs of gold and golden forked tongue.

Measurements: Entire enamel head section is 1-1/2 inches (4 cm) in length by 7/16 of an inch (1.2 cm) in width by 7/8 of an inch (1 cm) in depth. Can be worn by a variety of wrist sizes up to 7-3/4 inches. This antique bangle bracelet has a weight of 20.4 grams (13.4 dwt).

Condition: Very good; one area of enamel loss at very end of snake head.

Date & Origin: Circa 1880 and is most likely English in origin.

Overall Scale: Medium

Note: All diamond weights are approximate since the stones were not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.