A stunning and versatile antique French combination pendant-brooch of a very beautiful snake made of 18k Rolled-Gold signed "FIX" with repoussé markings holding a seed pearl in its mouth. This is a “Jour et Nuit” piece (Day & Night), meaning it can be hung from a chain as a pendant, worn as a brooch, but also with an added hanging removable pendant for a little extra sparkle.
“Fix” (sometimes “Fixe”) is a French mark denoting a closely guarded formula of superior quality rolled gold jewellery used from the early 19th century. Copper or brass was covered with unusually thick 18-carat gold which does not typically show signs of wear. The very best designers were commissioned to come up with these pieces, and the idea was to create jewellery of such good design and quality that it could not easily be distinguished from its solid gold counterparts.
Sold with an 18k gold over sterling vermeil chain.
Snakes were very popular in the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods as they represented “Eternal love and wisdom”. They have re-emerged as a modern red-carpet trend. Leading into the Victorian era, archaeologists discovered treasure troves of jewelry from Greece, Italy, and Egypt, filled with snake rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. In tandem with the frenzy in Classical Revival jewelry that blossomed from the historic findings, Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria a snake-shaped ring as an engagement present.
MATERIAL:
Gold FIX (18k gold and brass), Seed Pearl
AGE:
Early to Mid 1800s
CONDITION:
Very good – surface wear commensurate with age and use
SIZE:
H 3.5
W 2.5
WEIGHT:
4.47 g
Please read descriptions and inspect photos carefully, paying careful attention to size and weight. Due to the age of antique and vintage jewelry, minor abrasions and wear of finishes is normal and appreciated. All items have been tested to be in working/usable condition, unless otherwise stated. Please take care to understand safe cleaning methods for each type of gem and metal. Jewelry pieces are carefully wrapped, ribboned and shipped in an elegant velvet box.
