Another month, another antique piece of jewelry in the spotlight at Hancocks London. For September, Hancocks has selected this 19th-century French snake bracelet as its Jewel of the Month.
Over 150 years old, the 18k gold bracelet features a flexible woven design that wraps elegantly around the wrist—and captures the timeless grace of the snake motif as well, with its tail narrowing to a point. The serpent’s head is worth noting for the row of cushion-cut sapphires flanked by diamonds on top, plus sapphire eyes.
“The attention to detail in this antique bracelet is a testament to the fine craftsmanship of the period,” said Amy Burton, creative director of Hancocks London, in a statement. “The intricate engraving and woven goldwork is not only beautiful but also in exceptional condition, and the use of the sapphires and old-cut diamonds make this piece an exceptional example of its genre.”
Dating to around 1870, the piece holds symbolic meaning for the Victorian era in which it was made. Inspired by ancient traditions, the Victorians adopted the serpent as a symbol of eternal love and loyalty, largely due to its association with the ouroboros, a snake eating its tail, which represented the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Beyond love, the snake was also associated with wisdom and protection.
The bracelet is priced at £9,750, approximately $12,695.
(Photo courtesy of Hancocks London)
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