Antique Victorian Diamond and Pearl Set Snake Brooch, 18ct Gold

Antique jewellery object group: brooch

Condition: excellent condition

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin.

Style: Victorian – Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of decorative arts during the Victorian era. The Victorian era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia in furniture, fittings, and Interior decoration. Victorian design is widely viewed as having indulged in a regrettable excess of ornament. The Arts and Crafts movement, the aesthetic movement, Anglo-Japanese style, and Art Nouveau style have their beginnings in the late Victorian era.

Period: ca. 1890

Source of inspiration: Mother Nature

Theme: Snakes and serpents – Serpent is a word of Latin origin (from Serpens, serpentis “something that creeps, snake”, deriving from the Greek word “erpo” and “erpeto”, crawl and serpent) that is commonly used in a specifically mythic or religious context, signifying a snake that is to be regarded not as a mundane natural phenomenon nor as an object of scientific zoology, but as the bearer of some potent symbolic value.

The serpent is one of the oldest and most widespread mythological symbols. Considerable overlap exists in the symbolic values that serpents represent in various cultures. Some such overlap is due to the common historical ancestry of contemporary symbols. Much of the overlap, however, is traceable to the common biological characteristics of snakes.

In some instances, serpents serve as positive symbols with whom it is possible to identify or to sympathize; in other instances, serpents serve as negative symbols, representing opponents or antagonists of figures or principles with which it is possible to identify. Serpents also appear as ambivalent figures, neither wholly positive nor wholly negative in valence. An example of a serpent used as a positive symbol is Mucalinda, the king of snakes who shielded the Buddha from the elements as the Buddha sat in meditation. An example of a serpent used as a negative symbol is the snake who tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, as described in the Book of Genesis. (From: Wikipedia)

Material: 18ct yellow gold

Diamonds: One old European cut diamond with an estimated weight of approx. 0.35 crt.
Note: All diamond weights, color grades and clarity are approximate since the stones were not removed from their mounts to preserve the integrity of the setting.

Total diamond weight: approx. 0.35 crt.

Precious stones: Two red stones for the eyes that could be either rubies or red paste (also called strass)And two half seed pearls

Birthstones: Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April, ruby for July and pearl for June.

Hallmarks: No trace.

Dimensions: diameter 2,90 cm (1,14 inch)

Weight: 4,90 gram (3,15 dwt)