Antique turquoise and ruby serpent bracelet

Antique turquoise and ruby serpent bracelet

A fine Victorian gold box chain bracelet in the form of a tapering Ouroboros snake, set with a pavé turquoise head and tail and embellished with old mine cut rubies, in 18K.

The serpent motif in jewelry reached a feverish level of popularity after Prince Albert
gave a snake engagement ring to Queen Victoria. The snake in this
case signified eternal love. But snake jewelry dates back to ancient times. For the Egyptians, the creature represented royalty and the divine; for the Greeks, the full circle formed by a serpent eating its tail - the ouroboros, which literally means "tail-devourer" - evoked the circle of life. Snake jewelry continues to make a striking statement, and many pieces feature eyes and
foreheads encrusted with gemstones, as seen in this beautifully crafted bracelet. 

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  • Circa1870
  • MaterialsTurquoise, ruby, 18k gold
  • Dimensions7 1/2" long, 6 1/4" inner circumference when clasped, 15mm at widest point
  • Weight41.5 grams
  • SKUZ30983