Truly Beautiful Antique Edwardian Emerald Eyed 9ct Gold Snake Necklace With a 15ct Gold Diamond Puffy Heart Drop.

Remarkable survivor,  in good order, with no signs of alteration or repair. Under very close inspection there a a couple of places on the chain that have the lightest of marks - not noticeable on the neck , it is 100/120 years old after all!

Slightly smaller and lighter than most we see, so a great price, not the many thousands its larger brothers sell for.

The chain is articulated like a snake’s body and terminates with a secure bolt ring clasp. 
The snake’s head has been applied with gold scrolls with an etched background. It has been claw set with two round cut emeralds for the eyes and his mouth is open to reveal his tongue and teeth.  
Suspended below its mouth is a heart-shaped drop that is crafted in 15ct gold and set with a rose-cut diamond within a star shape setting.

Most Victorian jewellery is full of hidden meanings. In the Victorian era, it became very fashionable to wear snake jewellery after Prince Albert proposed to Queen Victoria with the very first engagement ring, which was in the image of a snake with an emerald set head. The snake is an emblem of “Eternal love” so what a wonderful present to give to someone that you adore. 

Emeralds measure approx. 1.4mm in diameter.
Diamond measures approx. 1.2mm in diameter.

Drop measures 13.2mm x 7.9mm and 5.9mm in depth.

The chain measures 18.5 inches in length. Equivalent to 46.9cm 
The links are 2.4mm wide. 

Weight 13.2g.

Snake is stamped '9ct'. 
The heart is stamped '15ct'. 

The study under magnification shows the hand drawing of the gold wire and hand soldering.

CONDITION: Very good 
Settings and goldwork are good,  we have just gently cleaned them by hand to retain the patina. 
Original gilding and `bloom` intact.
This is an antique item. It is in very good condition making it excellent value for money when compared to a new equivalent. 

LAYAWAY: We happily offer layaway/deposits on the majority of our items. Please send us a message if you would like to arrange a layaway.