Antique Gold Snake Bracelet with Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby, c.1890

An antique gold bracelet modelled as a snake, in the form of four coils of gold flexible links, representing scales. The tail and head are engraved. The head is set with faceted sapphires, surrounded by pavé set rose-cut diamonds, accented with cabochon-cut ruby eyes and a gold tongue and teeth. Circa 1890.

The body has a steel spring core.

In Victorian symbolism the snake carried a message of eternal love.

With a Portuguese mark, for Porto, with a lion's head for .800 gold, with a tolerance of 0.005, between 1886 and 1913 an added Brevet SGDG plaque, with a bugle or arrow, added later for retailing in France.

In a fitted Miranda F & Duarte case, 174 Rua d St. Antonio, Porto.

• Measurements: Body 7.2mm wide, head 12.5mm wide
• Design House: Miranda F & Duarte
• Country of Origin: Portugal
• Condition: Very good - with very light wear consistent with age and use