Snake it up, says Hetty Lintell, as she explores the allure of the serpent
-
SNAKE jewellery harks back many thousands of years,’ explains jewellery designer and vintage dealer Bear Brooksbank, ‘but it was specifically Queen Victoria’s engagement ring from Prince Albert that catapulted the snake motif into the mainstream.’ This ring was wrapped around the finger, with the head of the serpent adorned with rubies for the eyes, diamonds for the mouth, and a large emerald, the Queen’s birthstone, at the centre. ‘People were amazed by the originality of the piece and, with the love story and star power of the royal couple, demand for more snake jewellery shot up.’ The snake is an ancient Roman symbol for prosperity and became a popular expression of adoration during Victorian times. Albert designed the ring himself and it is believed the Queen was buried wearing it.
Zodiac diamond snake pendant, £1,050, Pragnell (01789 267072; www.pragnell. co.uk)
Serpenti Seduttori watch, £6,700, Bulgari (0800 048 8945; www.bulgari.com)
Palazzo Celeste Otto candle, £155, Fornasetti (020–7734 1234; www.libertylondon.com)
Golden snake ring, £38,000, Jessica Mccormack (020–7491 9999; www.jessica mccormack.com)
Diamond snake and double-sided star necklace, £395, Kirsty Le Marque (www. kirstielemarque. com)
Curled snake necklace with diamonds and green tsavorite eyes, £2,458, Ileana Makri (www.auverture.com)
Cosmic DNA earrings, £4,840, Ouroboros (www. ouroborosjewellery. com)
Serpent gold and diamond bracelet, £6,185, Bee Goddess (www. beegoddess. com)
Snake collar necklace, £1,650, Bear Brooksbank (as before)
Gold snake ring with diamonds and tsavorites, £1,200, Louise Sinclair (020–7846 0272; www. louisesinclair.com)
Vintage 1970s snake drop earrings, £850, Bear Brooksbank (020–7739 2908; www. bearbrooksbank.com)