Victorian Natural Pearl, Garnet, Blue Enamel and Gold Snake Necklace, Circa 1850

A Victorian natural pearl, garnet, blue enamel and gold snake necklace, with a cobalt blue enamelled head, set with natural half pearls and cabochon garnet eyes, with gold engraved foliate decoration and gold teeth, with a blue enamel heart drop suspended from its mouth, set with a half pearl and gold engraving, with a locket back, on articulating gold links, representing snake scales, forming the body of the snake, mounted in gold, English, circa 1850. In Victorian symbolism the snake biting its tail symbolised eternal love and wisdom.

It is rare to have provenance with antique jewellery. This necklace comes with a valuation for insurance, by Rickman Bros. (Jewellers) Ltd., 191 Wandsworth Bridge Road, London, SW6 - dated 30th June, 1919, stating:

"A fine Victorian gold necklet, the chain fashioned in the form of fish scales, terminating in a drop pendant formed of a fishes head, carrying drop heart. The head set with natural pearls and enamelled blue de Roi, the drop heart set with a single pearl, similarly enamelled, the reverse bearing rock crystal inset.”

Valued at £140.

The young gentleman, who had bought this beautiful antique necklace for his sweetheart, was killed in the war. His beloved did not marry and kept this necklace as the one thing she had as a memory of him.