Antique Garnet, Beryl and Gold Snake Necklace, Circa 1840

An early Victorian garnet, beryl, ruby and gold snake necklace, with cabochon-cut ruby eyes, with faceted garnets and pale green beryls set in the head and heart pendant, in closed back claw settings, surrounded by scrolling wirework, the mouth is open, with pointed teeth, with a tapering, articulated scale ring link body and an engraved tail end loop, the heart has a hair locket in the back, mounted in 14ct gold, circa 1840. In Victorian symbolism the snake biting its tail represented eternal love.