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.
Early Victorian fob seal with snake and fly
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Material -9ct gold
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Hallmarks - none
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Total length - 1.5cm
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Width - 9mm
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Weight - 0.92g
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Condition - excellent antique condition
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All of my pieces are at the very least pre-loved and most of them are vintage or antique. This item is not brand new and as such, will not look brand new. Please expect signs of wear to include kinks in links, surface wear to gold, scuffs to stones and accept this as part and parcel of buying second hand jewellery. I will be as clear as I can with item descriptions and condition statement and aim to make sure you are aware of any potential defects before you buy.