A stunning, substantial antique mid-1800s sculptural bracelet in the form of a coiled serpent, offered in unusually wonderful condition for an enamel piece of this age.
 
Tested as solid 14K gold - an impressive 29.3g of it!
 
The head is smoothly enamelled in deep royal blue, and crowned with an ornate silver crest set with good-sized natural ruby and pearls. Further ruby to each eye. Finely engraved foliate patterns to the neck. Smooth, gently hugging body sections.
 
The mouth is open to reveal two rows of fierce little teeth, yet the serpent's face is serene.
 
The body is hinged in two places to allow it to be slid on over the hand, and also to expand somewhat to suit the wrist size, please see sizing info below.
 
Beautifully made, regal and eye-catching in wear - in all, a superb heirloom piece, offered at a realistic price!
 
MEASUREMENTS: This is a smaller bracelet and will not suit larger wrist sizes. 5 3/4" around the inside, up to 6 1/4" comfortably hugging expansion, with secure and firmly sprung hinges, will go larger but not sure this would be comfortable - please enquire about sizing if unsure! Shown on a petite 5 5/8" wrist.
 
CONDITION: Very good, wearable antique condition. The only sign that it was ever worn is one very small surface chip to the largest ruby. There's a mark near one of the hinges, which we think is just a manufacturing imperfection as it doesn't look like a repair and certainly has no impact on function, invisible in wear (close-up in last photo).