An exceptional historical snake-shaped bangle from an old German noble family, set and decorated with diamonds, rubies, tourmaline and polychrome enamel, crafted from 585 / 14 carat rose gold (assayed and guaranteed).
This extraordinary bangle is designed as an Ouroboros – a snake biting its own tail, thus forming a closed circle with its body. The individual segments of the piece are mounted to allow movement and are adorned with vibrantly coloured enamel using the champlevé technique. This creates a magnificent scale-like pattern that covers the snake in shades of blue, green, white and rose.
On the reptile’s head, the beautiful enamel work transitions into a floral pattern, set with two sparkling, deep-red navette-cut rubies (ca. 0.16 carats in total). These form the animal’s eyes and are complemented by a large teardrop-cut tourmaline that crowns the snake’s head. The red-violet gemstone, weighing ca. 1.5 carats, is framed by a wreath of 14 sparkling diamond roses totalling ca. 0.17 carats.
In addition to the symbolic significance of the Ouroboros as a symbol of infinity, the bracelet’s marvellous state of preservation and the exceptional quality of the enamel work are particularly noteworthy. In the champlevé technique, also known as the pit-enamelling technique, recesses are engraved or etched into the base material and then filled with enamel. This detail is particularly beautiful at the snake’s head, where the visible golden ridges have been further finely chiselled.
Equally ingenious is the practical slip clasp between the tail and the head, which blends perfectly into the design and completes the snake’s function as an Ouroboros.
This rare antique bangle, formerly owned by German nobility, was crafted in Silesia in 1836; the date is engraved on the underside of the head. The use of the Ouroboros in jewellery dates back to ancient Egypt, where the snake stood as a symbol of wisdom and divine protection. Since then, it has become an indispensable element of jewellery.
The combination of this millennia-old symbolism with the masterful craftsmanship makes this exquisite bangle an outstanding piece for lovers of antique jewellery and collectors.
Length of the bangle: 18.0 cm.
Width: 0.4–1.3 cm.
Diameter of the diamond roses: ca. 1.1 mm, total ca. 0.17 ct.
Dimensions of the rubies: ca. 3.0 x 2.0 mm, total ca. 0.16 ct.
Dimensions of the tourmaline: ca. 10.2 x 5.5 mm, ca. 1.5 ct.
Weight: 30.0 grams.
Condition: Excellent historical condition, tiny chips in the enamel in places, freshly cleaned, see photos.
You will receive the bangle lovingly packaged in one of our pretty cases and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Please note: Vintage and antique jewellery items are pre-owned and may show slight signs of wear due to their history.
