Classic Sophistication: A Victorian Snake Brooch for the Modern Collector

This late Victorian brooch, crafted circa 1880, is a masterpiece that bridges the past and present. Fashioned in 18K yellow gold, its snake design, with a head adorned in rose cut diamonds, exudes timeless elegance. The use of red stones as eyes adds a unique charm, making it a rare find. This piece not only celebrates historical craftsmanship but also offers versatile wearability, seamlessly fitting into both classic and contemporary styles. Its design speaks of an era famed for its artistic richness, yet it remains perfectly suited for modern fashion statements. Owning this brooch isn't just acquiring a piece of history; it's embracing a timeless accessory that enhances any wardrobe with its subtle sophistication and enduring beauty.

Antique jewelry object group
Classic Sophistication: A Victorian Snake Brooch for the Modern Collector

Condition
very good condition
more info on our condition scale

Country of origin
unknown

Style
Between Victorian and Art Nouveau - 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. Art Nouveau (French for New Style) is an international movement and style of art, architecture and applied ar - especially the decorative arts - that peaked in popularity at the turn of the 20th century (1890–1905).

The name "Art Nouveau" is French for "new art". It is also known as “Jugendstil”, German for "youth style", named after the magazine Jugend, which promoted it, and in Italy, Stile Liberty from the department store in London, Liberty & Co., which popularised the style. A reaction to academic art of the 19th century, it is characterized by organic, especially floral and other plant-inspired motifs, as well as highly stylized, flowing curvilinear forms.

Art Nouveau is an approach to design according to which artists should work on everything from architecture to furniture, making art part of everyday life.
See also: late-Victorian, early Art Nouveau , eclecticism
more info on styles

Style specifics
The Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period - Experts divide the reign of Queen Victoria, also called The Victorian era (1837-1901) into three periods of about twenty years each; The Romantic Victorian Period (1837 - 1860), The Grand Victorian Period (1860 - 1880), and the Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period (1880 - 1901).

We consider this to be of The Late or Aesthetic Victorian Period.

Jewelry of this period is changing back from heavy to more smaller, romantic pieces with often whimsical motifs. Jewelers using diamonds and bright gemstones in elaborated and fine feminine pieces.

Period
ca. 1880
Events & facts of this era, poetry of this era, fashion of this era.

Source of inspiration
Mother Nature

Theme
Snakes and serpents - Snakes and serpents are 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.

A lot can be said about snakes and serpents. They have been worshipped since the Dark Ages and are a powerful religious symbol with many different meanings, like death and resurrection, while they have also been associated with healing and rivergods and also denote fertility, wisdom and the ability to cure.

Material
18K yellow gold (touchstone tested)
more info on precious metals

Diamonds
Three rose cut diamonds . We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is normal in our trade when it comes to rose cuts.
All diamonds we offer are screened by the I.J.G.C. for whether they are natural or synthetic, and all diamonds in this jewel are 100% guaranteed to be natural.

Precious stones
Two rubies . We did not check if the rubies are lab produced or not as this information has no influence on the value of this jewel. Natural rubies and lab produced rubies were both used in this era, rather more for their effect than for their intrinsic value.

Birthstones
Diamond is the birthstone (or month stone) for April and ruby for July.
more info on birthstones

Hallmarks
No trace.
more info on hallmarks

Dimensions
width 3,28 cm (1,29 inch)
see picture with a ruler in millimeters and inches

Weight
8,60 gram (5,53 dwt)

Adin Reference Nº
23009-0010

Copyright photography
Adin, fine antique jewellery

Additional information
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