Antique Emerald and Diamond Serpent Necklace

Created in the late 19th century, this important antique emerald and diamond snake necklace is mounted in silver-topped gold. Set with over 67 carats of diamonds, the necklace is designed as a life-like serpent that softly encircles the neck, suspending a head set with a rectangular step-cut emerald weighing approximately 3.50 carats, an old European-cut diamond weighing approximately 3.29 carats, and cabochon ruby eyes, the body of highly flexible scales with approximately 49 carats of graduating old European and old mine-cut diamonds, further set with diamond melee, all mounted in subtly-patinated silver-topped gold. Part of the long historic tradition of snake jewelry stretching back to antiquity, this beautiful, sparkling antique jewel molds softly to the neck and collarbone, with a fully modern naturalism.