A rare early Victorian bracelet in the form of a gold coiled serpent with a spotted blue enamel body and a ruby and diamond-set head, in 18k. Swedish hallmarks. Accompanied by the original box. Pear cut diamond approximately 1.32 cts., other old mine cuts approximately 0.92 ct.; atw 2.24 cts.

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. Enamel is also often used as a decorative element, which adds drama to the design and imitates the iridescent skin of these intriguing creatures.