Victorian Gold Serpent Necklace

Item Description

A finely detailed Victorian 15ct gold serpent articulated necklace, set with a garnet cabochon to the head and eyes, with a heart shaped mourning locket with garnet attached to its mouth. In original tooled leather fitted case. L40cm, weight 16.6 grams.

Highly collectable and with a striking aesthetic, Victorian jewellery can fetch great prices at auction, and this beautiful piece will go under the hammer on Wednesday, 22nd October in our specialist Jewellery, Silver, Watches and Coins sale.

 

Introduction

Victorian jewellery continues to hold strong value among collectors and enthusiasts, thanks to its rich historical significance, intricate designs, and exceptional craftsmanship. Pieces from this era were made using high-quality materials, including fine gold and carefully selected gemstones, often fashioned with an extraordinary level of detail that reflects the artistic standards of the 19th century. As time passes, authentic Victorian jewellery is becoming increasingly scarce, particularly as many gold items have unfortunately been melted down, making surviving examples highly sought after. This growing rarity, combined with their enduring beauty and historical charm, contributes to their high collectable and investment value in today's market.

 

What Does The Snake Symbolise In The Victorian Era?

The Victorians associated the snake motif with eternal love, loyalty and commitment.

Across cultures and throughout history, the snake has carried a duality of meaning, seen as a symbol of eternal love, wisdom, and protection, yet also feared as a representation of danger and temptation. While in Judaeo-Christian tradition the serpent often evokes negative associations, such as evil and deceit, other cultures have long held the snake in high regard.

We know the Ancient Egyptians revered snakes, and they were seen to symbolise royalty and divinity, but also as protectors against chaos. The snake was associated with Asklepios, the ancient Greek god of medicine; here, the snake represented rejuvenation, rebirth and healing, likely garnered from the reptile's ability to shed their skin. For the ancient Romans, the snake represented a powerful emblem of eternal love, prosperity and wisdom.

This more positive, ancient symbolism resonated with the Victorians. In fact, one of the most famous examples came in 1839, when Prince Albert proposed to Queen Victoria with a serpent-shaped engagement ring, its head set with an emerald, her birthstone. This royal gesture sparked a widespread fascination with the serpent motif in Victorian jewellery, where it came to symbolise everlasting love and loyalty.

A particularly popular variation was the Ouroboros - the ancient image of a snake devouring its own tail - signifying infinity and the unbreakable cycle of life and love. Far from being feared, the serpent became a romantic, protective, and deeply meaningful emblem during the Victorian era, woven into the fabric of sentimental and mourning jewellery alike.

 

How To Tell if Jewellery Is Victorian?

Victorian jewellery is particularly notable for its meticulously handcrafted, intricate designs steeped in symbolism and sentiment. There are many things to look out for to help identify jewellery from this time period, here are a few to get you started.

Handcrafted Settings and Unique Details

Unlike today’s mass-produced jewellery, Victorian pieces were entirely handmade. Look closely at the setting of any gemstones; Victorian mounts are often more intricate and individual in design. Because they were crafted by hand, you may notice tiny imperfections or asymmetries, which actually help confirm their authenticity and age.

Hallmarks and Gold Content

It’s important to note that compulsory hallmarking in the UK didn’t begin until after Queen Victoria’s reign, so many authentic Victorian pieces may not carry full hallmarks. However, they are often stamped with the gold content. If you find a piece marked 15ct, that’s a strong clue: 15-carat gold was a standard used primarily during the Victorian period but was discontinued in the early 1930s, making it a good indicator of age.

Design Motifs and Symbols

Victorian jewellery is rich in symbolism. Along with the serpent, other common motifs include natural elements like flowers, leaves, and birds, as well as romantic symbols like hearts or clasped hands. These recurring themes reflect the Victorian fascination with nature and sentimentality.

Mourning Jewellery

Following the death of Prince Albert in 1861, Queen Victoria entered a prolonged period of mourning that deeply influenced fashion and jewellery trends. Mourning jewellery, especially lockets or brooches containing hair from a deceased loved one, became widespread. These sombre yet beautiful items often serve as strong clues to a piece's Victorian origin.

Acrostic Jewellery

Another popular Victorian trend was acrostic jewellery, in which the first letter of each gemstone spelt out a meaningful word. For example, a piece spelling “DEAREST” would be set with Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, and Topaz. These pieces were especially popular for romantic gifts and are a charming hallmark of the period.

 

Sell Your Antique Jewellery With RWB Auctions

If you think you may have some Victorian jewellery but aren't quite sure, don't worry, you're not alone. Many people have inherited or acquired antique pieces without knowing their true age, origin, or value. That's where our expert team at RWB Auctions comes in. Our experienced jewellery specialists are on hand to assess your items quickly and accurately, offering honest, professional advice and an on-the-spot valuation with no obligation to sell.

Whether you have a single piece or an entire collection, we're here to guide you through the process with clarity and care. Our team will take the time to explain everything, answer your questions, and ensure you feel confident every step of the way.

With strong market demand for quality antique and Victorian jewellery, now is an excellent time to explore what your pieces could be worth.

Pop in to see us for a valuation on a Monday or a Tuesday, or contact us at office@rwbauctions.com | 01793 840777, where one of the team will be delighted to assist you.