Description: Antique late Victorian double snake brooch. 18k gold, some silver, emeralds, rubies and diamonds. Made in France, circa 1890's. Unisex - can be worn by a man or a woman. Measurements: Weight is 7.3 grams. Approximately 1 5/8 inches (a little over 4cm) long. Description : Intertwining pair of snakes. One snake with a gold body, engraved with a lattice pattern in immitation of a scaly texture. The 2nd snake, with silver over the gold, pave set with glinting diamonds. The heads form the terminals at the sides. Each head is set with gemstones in the center and eyes of the opposite gem: one head set with an emerald has ruby eyes; the other has a ruby center with emerald eyes. Central gems are of a lovely quality. A sturdy hinged pin and 'C' clasp at the back. For addition security, there is a gold chain connected to a small gold safety pin.Very well made with intriguing design that will make a great accessory for a man or a woman. Marks and Metal: French owl mark for 18k gold on 'c' of clasp and on the pin. There is a partial gold hallmark on the safety pin. Gold and silver were also electronically tested to ensure metal purity. Condition: Good with minor wear commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer. THE STORY: Ever since ancient Egyptian and Roman times, the snake has been a popular symbol in jewelry. Symbolic of everlasting life, love and renewal, amongst various other harbingers of good fortune, it is the antithesis of how we see these reptiles in 'real life'. Their sinuous form is extremely attractive with its sense of movement and elegance.This particular brooch, was made in Paris during a period where the French, who excelled above all others in the jewelry field, were creating their best designs. The original owner was a fashion conscious lady or man, who knew that this fascinating reptile would be a magnet for conversation, while not being gauche or obtrusive. Your friends will notice and admire. They might ask about the snake theme and you can tell them. The brooch was loved and cared for while it was enjoyed by many generations - picture a Victorian, an Edwardian, someone getting through WWI and then the Art Deco era. All those that followed... Each generation perhaps using the brooch in a slightly different way. Each with a bow to those who came before. We are the current link in a chain of owners who will hopefully extend for many more hundreds of years. Will it be your great great grandchildren or those of a stranger? This is one of the mysteries of eternal jewelry. IMPORTANT NOTE ON METALS: The metal in antique and vintage jewelry was handmade and not as homogenous as metal from a factory, made today. Digital technology was not available at the time and metals may test at slightly different karats from place to place in the same item or differ slightly from the hallmark punched at the time. Clasps, closures, bar hinges, arms and pins are routinely of a lower karat for strength. INTERNATIONAL BUYERS PLEASE NOTE: Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying. We have been selling high quality genuine antiques on the internet since 1998. Buy with confidence. We are reliable as our record shows, and we guarrantee everything we sell. See our policies below. Check out my other eBay auctions! Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers Please read our TERMS & CONDITIONS below: Florida residents to pay State sales tax. RETURN POLICY: If for any reason at all you are not completely happy with your purchase, please return the item. Please ship within 2 days of receiving your item unless otherwise agreed with us. We would appreciate it if you notify us in advance, and explain the reason for the return. Please pack carefully to ensure the item reaches us in the same condition it left here and don't forget to insure and track properly. -------------- PAYMENT & SHIPPING: -------------- Any questions, just ask. We usually use UPS or USPS for domestic service and USPS express for international shipping. Domestic shipping and handling will be free. Since we are obliged to use ?signature required? on all parcels over $200.00 it might be useful to use a business address. Please check that the address we receive from PayPal is the address you wish to use. Overseas insurance may be limited by foreign post office. For any other shipping arrangements, please ask us. Buyer is responsible for knowing shipping prohibitions and restrictions in his/her country we will look them up for you if you need help. -------------- OVERSEAS: Note: -------------- Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer?s responsibility. Please check with your country?s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying. Thank you --------------
Price: 2650 USD
Location: Boca Raton, Florida
End Time: 2025-01-21T11:27:12.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Brand: Unbranded
Type: Brooch