I may be closing my physical store very soon but rest assured that I’m still seeking out and bringing to market beautiful jewels.

I’m delighted to offer this one – a magnificent early Victorian turquoise snake necklace from about 1840. It’s a rare survivor that’s wonderfully wearable, fully intact and exceptionally striking; I’ve been unable to find its equal online.

Antique snake necklaces are usually choker-length, putting them out of reach of all but those with the most slender necks. This one comes with a pretty bracelet that doubles as an extender for the necklace.

And they rarely come with an original hanging heart dangling from the serpent’s teeth. Many of these early turquoise renditions were made without one, with the clasp joining the open mouth. Those that had a heart have usually lost them in the intervening centuries.

This one’s heart is in immaculate condition, as is the entire head.

The construction is ingenious: there are three slots in the head where the chain can be attached, two at the back of the neck and one beside the eyes, allowing the necklace to be worn at four distinct lengths, depending on the clasp placement – at 22 inches or 21 inches with the extender added, and 15 inches or 14 inches without it.

The condition is wonderful. There is inevitable discolouration to some of the turquoise in the necklace due to being worn next to skin but the majority remain pristine.

I especially love the head with the central large old mine cut diamond, rose cut diamond eyebrows and gleaming garnet eyes.

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• Handmade in 15-carat and 18-carat yellow gold – though it tests as approximately 20-carat gold due to the custom of gilding gold jewellery in the 19th century – with a sterling silver top setting for the diamonds
• Set with cabochon cut turquoise stones, two old mine cut diamonds, 10 rose cut diamonds and two cabochon cut garnets
• The necklace can be worn at four lengths depending on the placement of the clasp in the head section: approximately 22 inches (60cm) or 21 inches (53cm) with the bracelet added; or 15 inches (38cm) or 14 inches (35.5cm) without the extender
• The bracelet’s wearable length is just over 6 3/4 inches (17cm)
• The thickest section of the chain is approximating 1cm (almost 1/2 inch) in diameter
• Weight is 87.8 grams, comprising 21.1 grams for the head and heart, 40 grams for the necklace and 26.7 grams for the bracelet
• In excellent antique condition
• Will come in a Karen Deakin gift box

Please examine the photographs carefully – they form part of the description.

I’d be very happy to send more information and images. Layaway available.

I accept returns within 14 days if you’re not delighted with your purchase.