42,920  PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY 98  ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAY NEW ARRIVALS
ID #SA1218721
FOR SALE
£8,500
Email
Save
Antique Victorian Snake Serpent Necklace 18k Gold, Diamond & Enamel C.1860
Artisan Antiques
for sale €9,945     $10,795
£8,500
Artisan Antiques

Artisan Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Dec 2020
View Dealers Stock Page
  • About Us
    Artisan antiques based in london, brings to you a global selection of fine antique silverware.
Relevant Links
Id #SA1218721
PDF SHARE
SAVE

Antique Victorian Snake Serpent Necklace 18k Gold, Diamond & Enamel C.1860

19th century
For Sale by Artisan Antiques
Description

We are delighted to offer this fabulous Victorian 18ct gold reticulating snake necklace made c.1860.

Captivating, stylish and a marvel of fine jewellery making, Victorian snake necklaces present some of the finest and most impressive goldsmithing of the era, making it an iconic and classical statement piece of the period.

Throughout history, the snake motif has served as a regal or symbolic imprint, from Cleopatra to Roman beliefs of love. This piece being made in the Victorian era, would have been very much in vogue as Queen Victoria was very fond of serpent jewellery, being gifted an engagement ring from Prince Albert in 1839. As a result, many forms of jewellery of the Victorian era, whether it be a ring, bangle or necklace, were often inspired and featured snake designs.

This particular necklace presents some of the most desirable and impressive traits of Victorian goldsmithing - its entirety is crafted from 18ct gold, which has a lovely, rich and warm antique gold tone. The reticulating design imitates a lifelike snake and also allows for a very smooth and comfortable wear, truly coming to life upon wearing and movement. The craftsmanship in order to make a graduated, solid, yet smoothly flexible chain is remarkable and is a highlight and testament to Victorian craftsmanship and in our opinion, inimitable with a contemporary piece to this degree of finesse.

The clasp fixes into the main head of the snake, which has been equally impressively decorated with a deep blue enamel over a textured background, accented with pearls, rose cut diamonds and two garnet cabochons as its eyes. What is particularly delightful is the thinner coiled section of the enamel that features both enamel and gold surface engravings of foliate motifs that wrap around its tail.

Splendid in a collection, but better yet, perfect for those who wish to wear a statement piece, rich with artistic history. Whether it be for a special occasion or an evening party, the necklace would grace a stylish blouse in the warmer months or on a one-piece dress for more formal occasions or on top of a turtle neck in winter, wonderfully accenting your outfit with a single point of opulent impression.

A spectacular gift for someone or as an indulgent addition for the discerning antique jewellery lover. This necklace is exemplary of the creative and meticulous Victorian jewellery making and is a wonderful way to display your passion for distinguished antiques, history and style.

Diamonds are known to be the birthstone for April, garnets for January, and pearls for June.

The brooch is unmarked, as is common with articles of this period and as such, we have tested it, indicating 18ct gold.

This necklace will come with a similar period shell design box as shown in the photos. Should you wish to switch it to a modern box, please do let us know and we can supply this too.

Size & Total Weight

38cm Length (Head section inc drop approx 4x2cm)/

21.57g/0.69 troy oz

Condition: great antique condition with no major issues or damage, some very slight surface wear as expected with antiques of this age and some minor enamel loss on only the bottom swaying part as shown in the images.

We aim to overemphasise and state these issues (if any) to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please kindly refer to the photos for further details.

*Please note: all other items are for display purposes only and this listing is for the item listed in the title only.

FREE SHIPPING

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us an

Declaration

Artisan Antiques has dated this Victorian Gold Serpent Necklace to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1218721
Dealers Notes

We strive to provide inimitable first-class service with your needs and satisfaction as our number one priority.

Description
We are delighted to offer this fabulous Victorian 18ct gold reticulating snake necklace made c.1860.

Captivating, stylish and a marvel of fine jewellery making, Victorian snake necklaces present some of the finest and most impressive goldsmithing of the era, making it an iconic and classical statement piece of the period.

Throughout history, the snake motif has served as a regal or symbolic imprint, from Cleopatra to Roman beliefs of love.
Artisan Antiques

This piece being made in the Victorian era, would have been very much in vogue as Queen Victoria was very fond of serpent jewellery, being gifted an engagement ring from Prince Albert in 1839. As a result, many forms of jewellery of the Victorian era, whether it be a ring, bangle or necklace, were often inspired and featured snake designs.

fig 1. A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes.
fig 1. Antique Victorian Snake Serpent Necklace 18k Gold, Diamond & Enamel C.1860

This particular necklace presents some of the most desirable and impressive traits of Victorian goldsmithing - its entirety is crafted from 18ct gold, which has a lovely, rich and warm antique gold tone. The reticulating design imitates a lifelike snake and also allows for a very smooth and comfortable wear, truly coming to life upon wearing and movement. The craftsmanship in order to make a graduated, solid, yet smoothly flexible chain is remarkable and is a highlight and testament to Victorian craftsmanship and in our opinion, inimitable with a contemporary piece to this degree of finesse.

fig 2. A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes.
fig 2. Antique Victorian Snake Serpent Necklace 18k Gold, Diamond & Enamel C.1860

The clasp fixes into the main head of the snake, which has been equally impressively decorated with a deep blue enamel over a textured background, accented with pearls, rose cut diamonds and two garnet cabochons as its eyes. What is particularly delightful is the thinner coiled section of the enamel that features both enamel and gold surface engravings of foliate motifs that wrap around its tail.

fig 3. A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes.
fig 3. Antique Victorian Snake Serpent Necklace 18k Gold, Diamond & Enamel C.1860

Splendid in a collection, but better yet, perfect for those who wish to wear a statement piece, rich with artistic history. Whether it be for a special occasion or an evening party, the necklace would grace a stylish blouse in the warmer months or on a one-piece dress for more formal occasions or on top of a turtle neck in winter, wonderfully accenting your outfit with a single point of opulent impression.

fig 4. A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes.
fig 4. Antique Victorian Snake Serpent Necklace 18k Gold, Diamond & Enamel C.1860

A spectacular gift for someone or as an indulgent addition for the discerning antique jewellery lover. This necklace is exemplary of the creative and meticulous Victorian jewellery making and is a wonderful way to display your passion for distinguished antiques, history and style.

fig 5. A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes.
fig 5. Antique Victorian Snake Serpent Necklace 18k Gold, Diamond & Enamel C.1860

Diamonds are known to be the birthstone for April, garnets for January, and pearls for June.

The brooch is unmarked, as is common with articles of this period and as such, we have tested it, indicating 18ct gold.

fig 6. A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes.
fig 6. Antique Victorian Snake Serpent Necklace 18k Gold, Diamond & Enamel C.1860

This necklace will come with a similar period shell design box as shown in the photos. Should you wish to switch it to a modern box, please do let us know and we can supply this too.

Size & Total Weight

fig 7. A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes.
fig 7. Antique Victorian Snake Serpent Necklace 18k Gold, Diamond & Enamel C.1860

38cm Length (Head section inc drop approx 4x2cm)/

21.57g/0.69 troy oz

Condition: great antique condition with no major issues or damage, some very slight surface wear as expected with antiques of this age and some minor enamel loss on only the bottom swaying part as shown in the images.

fig 8. A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes.
fig 8. Antique Victorian Snake Serpent Necklace 18k Gold, Diamond & Enamel C.1860

We aim to overemphasise and state these issues (if any) to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please kindly refer to the photos for further details.

fig 9. A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes.
fig 9. Antique Victorian Snake Serpent Necklace 18k Gold, Diamond & Enamel C.1860

Please note: all other items are for display purposes only and this listing is for the item listed in the title only.

FREE SHIPPING

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

fig 10. A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes.
fig 10. Antique Victorian Snake Serpent Necklace 18k Gold, Diamond & Enamel C.1860

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us an

Date of Manufacture

Artisan Antiques has dated this Victorian Gold Serpent Necklace to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1218721
Artisan Antiques
Artisan Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Dec 2020

Artisan antiques based in london, brings to you a global selection of fine antique silverware.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Artisan Antiques Profile Page

Relevant Links
PDF SHARE
SAVE
A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes.
1 / 21
Archive I A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes.

Antique Victorian Snake Serpent Necklace 18k Gold, Diamond & Enamel C.1860

Archive II A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View II
Archive III A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View III
Archive IV A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View IV
Archive V A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View V
Archive VI A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View VI
Archive VII A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View VII
Archive VIII A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View VIII
Archive IX A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View IX
Archive X A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View X
Archive XI A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View XI
Archive XII A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View XII
Archive XIII A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View XIII
Archive XIV A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View XIV
Archive XV A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View XV
Archive XVI A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View XVI
Archive XVII A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View XVII
Archive XVIII A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View XVIII
Archive XIX A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View XIX
Archive XX A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View XX
Archive XXI A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes. View XXI
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07578 761640
Location
London
United Kingdom
Verified Since Dec 2020
Items For Sale 98
Items Sold 514
Artisan Antiques
Artisan Antiques
Verified Since Dec 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: London, United Kingdom
Verified
Dec 2020
For Sale
98
Sold
514
A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes.
Antique Victorian Snake Serpent Necklace 18K Gold, Diamond & Enamel c.1860
Ref: SA1218721
A Victorian 18-carat gold woven chain necklace featuring a blue enamel snake head set with seed pearls, small diamonds, and ruby eyes.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Detail View 9
Detail View 10
Detail View 11
Detail View 12
Detail View 13
Detail View 14
Detail View 15
Detail View 16
Detail View 17
Detail View 18
Detail View 19
Detail View 20
Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Serpent jewellery became widely popular in the Victorian period after Prince Albert presented Queen Victoria with a snake engagement ring in 1839. The motif symbolised eternal love, wisdom, and eternity, making it a prominent design in 19th-century gold and enamel pieces.

Victorian snake necklaces were typically crafted using 15 to 18-carat yellow gold, often featuring flexible woven or articulated chains. Decoratively, artisans utilised guilloche enamel alongside gemstone accents such as diamonds, rubies for eyes, and seed pearls.

Authentic 19th-century pieces display hand-engraved details, hand-applied enamel with subtle age wear, and period-appropriate gem cuts like rose cuts or mine cuts. Hallmarks, makers marks, and the weight of high-carat gold construction also assist in dating these items.

A Victorian serpent necklace serves as a focal piece when worn over simple, dark necklines or crisp tailored shirts. Layering with plain contemporary gold chains allows the detailed enamel and motif work to stand out while balancing historical and modern aesthetics.

Enamel and seed pearl jewellery should never be submerged in water or cleaned with harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Gently wipe the piece with a soft, dry lint-free cloth and store it separately in a padded box to protect the enamel surface from scratching.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Movements
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Freshness
Online Payments
Categories