Victorian 15CT Gold Snake Garnet Cabochon Drop Earrings Antique Serpent 5.02g
$ 419.76
Description
Victorian 15CT Gold Snake Garnet Cabochon Drop Earrings Antique Serpent 5.02g. VICTORIAN 15CT GOLD SNAKE GARNET DROP EARRINGS. This pair is especially appealing because the snake is not simply applied as decoration. The serpent is worked into the structure of each earring, wrapping around the cabochon and helping form the setting itself. VICTORIAN 15CT GOLD SNAKE GARNET DROP EARRINGS Late 19th Century Serpent Motif Jewelry • Cabochon Garnets • 15 Carat Gold Overview A striking pair of antique Victorian drop earrings crafted in 15 carat gold and set with richly colored cabochon garnets. Each earring is designed with a sculptural serpent wrapping around the garnet, the snake’s head rising at the top of the setting and the body forming part of the circular frame around the stone. The garnets have a deep cranberry-red color with burgundy and purplish undertones, giving them a glowing wine-red appearance when illuminated. The stones are rounded cabochons rather than faceted gems, which gives the earrings a softer, older look and emphasizes the rich internal depth of the garnet. The earrings are marked 15CT on the hook fitting, and XRF testing confirms gold content consistent with approximately 14–15 carat gold. Their closed-back construction, hand-finished details, original-style hook fittings, and serpent design are all consistent with late 19th century Victorian jewelry. Details Metal 15CT gold Mark 15CT Testing XRF confirms gold content consistent with approximately 14–15 carat gold Stones Cabochon garnets Garnet Color Deep cranberry red with burgundy-purple undertones Cabochon Size 10.0 mm diameter; approximately 6.5 mm deep Length 38.5 mm overall drop Weight 5.02 grams total Motif Snake / serpent Period Victorian, late 19th century Historical Note Serpent jewelry was one of the most recognizable symbolic motifs of the Victorian period. Snakes were associated with eternity, devotion, wisdom, and protection, and the form appeared in rings, brooches, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings throughout the nineteenth century. This pair is especially appealing because the snake is not simply applied as decoration. The serpent is worked into the structure of each earring, wrapping around the cabochon and helping form the setting itself. The result is a compact but expressive design that carries the symbolism of Victorian serpent jewelry while remaining very wearable. Construction & Design Note The earrings are made with closed-back cabochon settings, a construction style commonly seen in antique jewelry. The backs are smoothly finished, while the fronts show raised serpent forms surrounding the garnets. The hook fittings are slender and elongated, giving the earrings graceful movement and a distinctive antique profile. The 10 mm garnet cabochons provide strong visual presence without overwhelming the design. Their deep cranberry color contrasts beautifully with the warm tone of the gold, and the serpent heads give the earrings a small but memorable sculptural detail. Condition Very good antique condition with expected age-related surface wear. The gold retains a warm antique patina, and the serpent details remain clearly visible. The garnets are secure and display attractive color and depth. No major damage observed. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description. Tags: Victorian snake earrings, antique serpent jewelry, 15CT gold earrings, Victorian garnet earrings, cabochon garnet, antique gold earrings, Victorian jewelry, serpent motif, estate jewelry, 15 carat gold, antique drop earrings, DB29 Decorative Arts
