This is one of the prettiest snake brooches we think we've ever found! We love how the snake's body creates such an interesting shape, looping over itself several times with the tail coming to rest near the snake's head. 
 
The snake's head is also wonderfully detailed with seven turquoise cabochons in a range of sizes and shades of blues and greens. Each eye has also been set with a glinting garnet stone too!
 
The snake makes a stunning brooch but it could also make such an unusual striking conversion piece turning it into a pendant. 
 
The snake tests as at least 9ct gold, the brooch is unhallmarked which is common for a piece of this age. We believe given its style and design, as well as the type of pin fastening that it's likely late Victorian in age. The pin fastening to the back has been made in a dark coloured base metal. It has a simple tube hinge and c clasp. 
 
The brooch weighs approx 6.2g and measures approx 54.9mm long by approx 23.2mm wide by approx 9mm deep (not including the pin and fittings). The brooch is hollow in the centre.
 
Condition - The brooch shows significant signs of age and wear and is in a well loved and used antique condition. There looks to have been repairs carried out to the snake's body in several places where several old dark solder marks are visible in places to both the front and back. There is also a section of gold that is much rosier in colour which looks to be part of an old repair. This is to the snake's head end of the brooch. There is some surface wear to the turquoise and garnet stones. There looks to possibly have once been somthing attached to the snake's head underneath where a small piece of gold remains. Possibly an old 'drop' style detail which is now missing. The pin fastening still works well and looks to have been part of the repair mentioned. Please see photos.
 
*Please note the antique box pictured is not included in the sale but the brooch will be shipped in a new presentation box and pouch.*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
.