Antique Victorian snake brooch gold silver diamonds pearl garnet bow Unisex(7503)

Antique Victorian snake brooch. Gold, silver, diamonds, pearl, tiny garnets. Made in the UK approximately 1860-80's.
Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman.  

Measurements:

Weight is 7.3 grams. Approximately 2 inches (5cm) long. Estimated total diamond weight 1.35cts, G-J colour, VS2-P1 clarity.

Description :

Long snake with body coiling and twining around itself forming a bow. The head drops down in the center between the loops of the box. The curling tail twists over the left hand loop and tapers off to the side. 
The entire surface of the body is finely pave set with diamonds. Diamonds are rose and old cut. Eyes are tiny cabochon garnets. 
Like almost all Victorian jewelry, diamonds were set in a layer of silver, placed over a gold mount. From the side you can see the clearly deliniated sections of silver and gold. 
The open mouth of the snake holds a sturdy gold loop that suspends a colette-set diamond. The loop allows the diamond to move freely from side to side. Below the diamond is a pearl (not tested as to origin). 
Quality of the workmanship can be seen when we look at the back of the brooch. Very clean, neat, ordered. 
A hinged pin that extends beyond the side of the brooch - a feature of Georgian and other older jewelry. 
Very solidly made with lavished attention to details. Fine workmanship. Elegant and luxurious. This antique brooch can be worn with almost any outfit, be it for a man or a woman. 

Marks and Metal:

No marks found.
     

Condition:

Good with negligible wear commensurate with age. Pearl was re-attached as there is almost imperceptible residue of glue (mentionied for the sake of accuracy - it is not visible unless you look for it).  Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.   

THE STORY: 
Snakes are hugely symbolic. In the past, they were harbingers of various benefits, not least everlasting life. Even before Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria a snake ring as an engagement gift, snake jewelry was hugely popular and after their union, it became even more so. Makes a superbly romantic gift whether to a loved one or to oneself.