Antique French 18K Gold Snake Brooch with Natural Unheated Sapphire & Rose-Cut Diamond Eyes | Circa 1870–1900
£1,750.00
Warm golden curves meet a vivid touch of blue in this beautifully expressive late 19th-century snake brooch.
Crafted in 18K yellow gold, the snake’s elongated body forms a generous oval, with its tapering tail coiled around the neck. The continuous outline and entwined detail evoke enduring love, protection and companionship.
The body is formed from hollow tubing with a gently flattened oval cross-section, approximately 4.4 × 3.4mm, giving the brooch a substantial appearance while keeping its weight moderate. The gold retains its aged character, with subtle surface wear and warm reflections that shift softly in the light.
Fine engraved lines define the snake’s head, which is set with a natural unheated blue sapphire. Its oval mixed cut reveals lively variations of rich blue, beautifully contrasting with the surrounding yellow gold. Two natural rose-cut diamonds form the eyes, adding delicate glimmers of light and bringing the snake’s expression to life.
The reverse is fitted with a long pin and C-clasp. A French eagle’s head hallmark appears on the C-clasp, consistent with 18K gold. The design and construction suggest a date of approximately 1870–1900.
Two small dents are present on the body, with a further tiny dent on the tail. These accompany surface wear consistent with the brooch’s age and form part of its antique character. Please examine the photographs closely for condition details.
Details
▫️ Period: Late 19th century, circa 1870–1900
▫️ Origin: France
▫️ Metal: 18K yellow gold
▫️ Hallmark: French eagle’s head on the C-clasp
▫️ Sapphire: Natural blue sapphire, unheated
▫️ Cut: Oval mixed cut
▫️ Sapphire dimensions: Approximately 4.4 × 3.6mm
▫️ Estimated sapphire weight: Approximately 0.25–0.35ct; an estimate only, not a measured carat weight
▫️ Diamonds: Two natural rose-cut diamonds, set as the eyes
▫️ Total weight: Approximately 11.26g
▫️ Overall dimensions: Approximately 5.4 × 4cm
▫️ Construction: Hollow tubing with a flattened oval cross-section; tail coiled around the neck
▫️ Tubing cross-section: Approximately 4.4 × 3.4mm
▫️ Condition: Two small dents on the body and a tiny dent on the tail, with age-related surface wear and a warm gold patina
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