A late Victorian, figural, repoussé, locket, modeled in 10k yellow gold, whose subject is a snake, its curving body seeming to break through the locket’s surface, here and there, as if it were a drum’s head, or a taut sheet of paper. Our snake closes its jaws around a small, bezel set, old mine cut diamond.Its eye is set with a vibrant, red, cabochon ruby. This antique locket has a bloomed finish, which gives it an extra-rich, high-gold color. Itis beautiful and fierce— an ideal signature jewel for someone who admires the dignified and mysterious snake, or who identifies with the concept of "breaking through."These solid gold, turn-of-the-century, repoussé lockets are becoming quite rare, especially those with animal subjects. Marked 10k for purity.

Materials

10k gold
Diamond
Ruby

Age

c. 1900

Dimensions

Locket measures approx 1", total drop is approx 1 3/8"; diamond measures approx 2.15 mm (approx .05 carats); ruby measures approx 1 mm.

Condition

The locket's high-polished backside hasscattered, light dimpling— this is hidden in wear. No other issues noted, outside of normal, age-related patination and finish wear. Closure functionsbeautifully.