Snakes may not be the obvious choice for a lover’s gift today but in Victorian times they were a symbol of love.
At first glance, this Victorian turquoise pendant is most notable for its curvaceous heart. Look more closely and you will see a tiny hand holding the link to the heart – and that link is in the shape of a snake. The intricacy and detail is stunning to behold.
In Victorian times, snakes were popular symbols of eternal love, wisdom and commitment. Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria an engagement ring shaped like a serpent. It included small rubies, diamonds an emerald, her birthstone.
Turquise appears in many examples of Victorian jewellery but its popularity goes back much further. The opaque, blue-to-green mineral is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminium. It is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been prized as a gemstone and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue.
Such is its quality, the Victorian pendant carries an estimate of £800-£1,200 in the June 29-30 Fine Art Auction.
Further auction entries of jewellery, silver and watches are invited. To book a valuation email Head of Jewellery Helen Smith: [email protected].
