A captivating Victorian stickpin in 18ct gold, c.1880, modelled as a coiled serpent in rich cobalt blue enamel, crowned with a brilliant old-cut diamond. The snake was one of the most potent and beloved symbols in Victorian jewellery — associated with eternal love, wisdom, and protection, and made famous as a romantic motif when Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria a serpent engagement ring in 1840. Snake jewellery remained fashionable throughout the Victorian era, and this example is among the finest expressions of the form at stickpin scale: the cobalt enamel is vivid and intact, the coiling modelled with real conviction, and the old-cut diamond crown catches the light with the warm, candlelit brilliance characteristic of the cut. In exceptional condition. Tests as 18ct gold. Head 1.6 × 1.4cm; pin length 7.2cm.

The Details

• Circa: 1880
• Weight: 3.5g
• Head dimensions: 1.6 × 1.4cm
• Pin length: 7.2cm
• Hallmarks: Tests as 18ct gold
• Materials: 18ct gold, cobalt blue enamel, old-cut diamond