Items Similar to Antique Serpent & Heart Necklace with fancy cut Garnet & Diamond Eyes, c. 1870
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 16
Antique Serpent & Heart Necklace with fancy cut Garnet & Diamond Eyes, c. 1870
About the Item
Antique Necklace hand made in 18K yellow gold with a serpent and heart motif, the heart and serpent have fancy cut red garnets and the serpent's eyes and nose are rose cut diamonds.
This necklace is in fine condition, 16.25 inches long with the hanging section of the serpent and heart is 1.5 inches. The weight is 30.6 grams. Please note: Our model in the photographs has a medium to large necklace size and hand size. This antique necklace bears no marks. We have performed an acid test to confirm its gold purity as being 18K (.750).
When in the late 1830's Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (in Germany) proposed to his cousin Queen Victoria with a ring in the form of a snake, he soon became Prince Consort and Victorians soon came to consider serpent motif jewels to be symbols of eternal love.
And, when Albert died in 1860, Victoria, as if to demonstrate her eternal commitment, entered a period of mourning and formal remembrance that lasted for the rest of her life, thereby publicly showing her love decades after Albert's death.
Our 18K yellow gold serpent necklace, circa 1870, is noteworthy for several reasons. First its condition is so special that it can only be described as excellent which is quite a compliment for something more than 150 years old.
Second, the piece presents itself solely with diamonds combined with garnet. The eyes and nose are diamonds. The head and heart are fancy cut garnets hand cut to fit precisely. Garnet has always been considered pleasant but never as esteemed as that other and much loftier red stone, Ruby, which is frequently found in the crown jewels of the empire. We should hurry to add that these garnets in our serpent would still not be considered high jewels.
But the quality of red found in these garnets are undeniably unique, so unique in fact that this vibrantly red garnet is no longer available anywhere in the world today, and was undoubtedly selected for the remarkable, indeed unforgettable, brilliance of its red.
In view of Its history and symbolism relative to eternal love, the stellar condition of its nearly 150 years of its existence and the exemplary quality of its red as love-related colored stones, this piece will hug the neck as few other necklaces and is very easy to wear during the day and into evening. We have seen many serpent motif jewelry from the nineteenth century, this necklace is one of the nicest examples we have encountered.
Simply put - it is an exceptional antique work of art.
All items sold are accompanied by a detailed Statement of Value, as well as all original gemological documentation, if specified in the listing. As always, we guarantee all of pieces to be exactly as represented. Each piece of jewelry arrives in a finely gift-wrapped presentation box.
Over the decades of our stewardship as a small but exemplary purveyor of the jeweler's art, we have strived to offer a fine and authentic selection, in excellent condition, of collectible jewels from all highly sought time periods at competitive prices and even lower prices, if possible. In the process we have had the extraordinary good fortune of meeting remarkable people - some collectors, others just extremely interesting individuals who have taken the time and effort to examine their lives and select things that tend to make them smile, or admire, or just wonder at the exciting endlessly creative and nuanced panoply of jeweled artifacts.
- Metal:
- Stone:
- Stone Cut:
- Dimensions:Length: 16.25 in (412.75 mm)
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1870
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Aspen, CO
- Reference Number:Seller: 100861stDibs: LU19225818732
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 1979
1stDibs seller since 2011
665 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 5 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Aspen, CO
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllCircle of Diamond Pendant Necklace with 1.50 cts of Fine Fancy cut Diamonds
Located in Aspen, CO
This is a white gold chain supporting a circle that has 50 tapered and straight baguette finely matched diamonds channel set in a perfect and brilliant circle symbolizing eternity. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,560 Sale Price
20% Off
Free Shipping
Cross with Fine Fancy cut Diamonds in Platinum on a fine antique diamond chain
Located in Aspen, CO
Diamond maltese cross composed of 4 fancy tapered baguette cut diamonds and a small rectangular cut diamond. Resting on a platinum chain, this platinum maltese cross has an estimated...
Category
Vintage 1960s Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum, Diamond Long Necklace Accented with Orange Enamel Beads
Located in Aspen, CO
This long chain possesses frosted Rock Crystal interspersed with diamonds and orange enamel beads. The necklace is 67 inches long and can be worn a varie...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Materials
Diamond, Rock Crystal, Crystal, Platinum
$3,160 Sale Price
20% Off
Free Shipping
Antique Heart shaped Amethyst Brooch with Diamond, Edwardian, circa 1910
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique heart shaped, buff-topped natural amethysts are suspended from a platinum and rose cut diamond garland. The natural 3 amethysts are prong ...
Category
Vintage 1910s Edwardian Brooches
Materials
Amethyst, White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$3,120 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Twin Serpent Ring symbolizing eternal love in gold with Diamonds 1880
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique twin serpent ring from the late 19th century symbolizing eternal love. The two diamonds in the snakes' head are old mine cut diamonds weighing ...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century North American Victorian Wedding Rings
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Fancy Cut Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Vintage Brooch
Located in Aspen, CO
Fancy cut white diamonds are border with fine natural sapphires and rubies. A spectacular long brooch with fine well matched and well cut stones. The 34 diamonds weigh an estimated 3.40 cts. They are F/G color (colorless to near colorless) and VS1 to VVS2 (very very slightly included to very slightly included). These white diamonds are set off with fine natural sapphires and rubies.
The 26 natural bright blue sapphires weigh an estimated 1.45 cts. They display a pure, clean even blue color. The 26 natural vivid red rubies (probably from Burma), weigh an estimated 1.45 cts.
Totally there are 6.3 cts. of fine gemstones. Well made and in excellent condition, this vintage double clip brooch...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Brooches
Materials
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
You May Also Like
Antique Bohemian Garnet And Silver Gilt Necklace Circa 1870's
Located in Firenze, IT
Victorian bohemian garnet necklace. This piece is set in silver gilt with pretty garnet flowers and smaller drop flowers. Circa 1870-80,
Mea...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Drop Necklaces
Materials
Garnet, Silver, Gilt Metal
Garnet Marquise Cut Heart Pendant
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
10k yellow gold Garnet Marquise heart pendant containing 16 marquise cut garnets weighing 2.40cts. on a 17 inch chain.
Category
2010s American Modern Drop Necklaces
Materials
Garnet, 10k Gold
Antique Garnet Gold Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Antique garnet gold necklace
Oval- and round-cut garnets of approximately 70-80 carats, 14 karat yellow gold
Size: length 15.25 inches
Total weight: ...
Category
Antique 1850s Victorian Drop Necklaces
Materials
Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Heart Shaped Fancy Yellow & White Diamond Two-Toned Diamond Chain Necklace
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A beautiful blend of classic style with a contemporary touch, here we have a unique and fashionable diamond necklace. The necklace is designed around a pair of Heart Shaped diamonds ...
Category
2010s Drop Necklaces
Materials
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian 1870s Gold 48ctw Garnet Fringe Necklace in Original Fitted Box
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian garnet and yellow gold necklace, comprising ten oval cut garnets, and thirty-seven round cut garnets, set in yellow gold, with yellow gold fittings.
This tasteful neckl...
Category
Antique 1870s Victorian Drop Necklaces
Materials
Garnet, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Snake Necklace Rose Cut Diamond 14 Karat Gold Blue Enamel Garnet 1840
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare antique Victorian Snake Necklace with a Heart Locket Pendant hanging from its mouth. The snake necklace dating to circa 1840. The snake head and heart are set with four spectacular Rose Cut Diamonds of great beauty. The eyes are round cabochon Garnets of a wonderful color. The snake and heart are adorned with vivid royal blue enamel. The necklace is 14 - 16 Karat gold. The gold work on the snake is dramatic and very special. The gold around the eyes, on the head, and around the heart is in an acanthus leaf motif creating a magical nature inspired jewel. The snake link chain is just gorgeous and evokes the body of the snake beautifully. And snake necklaces are all the rage - Oscars 2023!
The necklace is 17 inches long. It is in superb condition. The clasp is a later addition which extends the length of the necklace to a wearable length.
It is extremely rare to find these early snake jewels...
Category
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Materials
Garnet, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$6,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Free Shipping
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Antique Colored Diamond
Victorian Garnet Diamond
Jeweled Crown
Large Garnet Stone
Antique Garnet Necklace
Serpent Stone
Antique Ring Wrap
Second Hand Necklaces
Smile Necklace
Fancy Yellow Old Cut
Empire Cut Diamond
Garnet Old Cut Diamonds
Antique Gold Garnet Necklaces
Old Cut Fancy Yellow Diamond
18k Albert
Artifact Necklace
Brilliance Fine Jewelry Heart Necklace
Antique 18k Gold Small Boxes