Gold Snake Lorgnette, Circa 1940

A snake lorgnette, mounted in 18ct gold, with a snake winding up the handle, the head is set with a pear shaped sapphire, surrounded by old-cut diamonds, with ruby eyes. Circa 1940s. Lorgnette is a pair of spectacles with a handle. They were invented by an Englishman named George Adams. The name is derived from the French lorgner, to take a sidelong look at. In Victorian symbolism the coiled snake represented eternity. Approximately 12cm long, 4.2cm at its widest point.