A beautiful old 9ct gold fob seal with highly sought after fly/snake combo.
 
The snake is posing as the bale, coiled to create a loop on which you can clip on to your antique clasp.
The snake symbolises everlasting love and loyalty, a trend that began after Prince Albert proposed to Victoria with a snake ring.
 
The carnelian intaglio features an expertly carved fly, symbolic of perseverance and persistence, you know when you think you've got rid of a fly only to hear it speed past your face? They always seem to find a way out, a way to survive.
 
The combination of the use of serpent and insect in this piece indicates to me that it was given to a loved one with intention and promise, a keepsake to reminisce on a time, a place, a person.
 
A truly special little piece.