Victorian Bracelet Bangle Gold Sapphire Diamonds Rubies Snake w Appraisal (6247)

Antique Victorian Art Nouveau snake bracelet bangle. 18k yellow gold, sapphire, diamonds, rubies. Made circa 1840-60's, in France.

Measurements: Length approximately 29.5 inches (75cm) long. Weighs 53.7 grams.

Description: Exceptional snake bracelet bangle. The body coils around at least 4 times from the pointed tail to the magnificent head. The body is made of gold mesh, supple yet supportive and firm. The head has an open mouth with slightly protruding forked tongue. It is engraved with a reptilian snake scale pattern. The eyes are colette-set rubies. On top of the head is a fabulous deep blue sapphire, raised above the surface of the head, like a crown. It is surrounded by old mine cut diamonds. Quality of workmanship and design is outstanding. While many snake bracelets can be called fabulous, this one rises above them all.

Marks: The top of the tail has two French hallmarks for 18k gold of unknown origin (the owl). Under the tail, a small plaque with BREVETE a long horn/trumpet and SGDG indicates patent rights in France.

Condition: good with negligible wear commensurate with age. It is unusual to find this sort of mesh gold work in such good order, without sagging or missing bits. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer. Similarly made snakes are shown in the book Understanding Jewellery by David Bennett & Daniela Mascetti page 130 and dated to the 1840's. Independent appraisal for $18000.00 available to new owner.