18K & Platinum French Victorian Diamond & Ruby Snake Sword Pendant

A rare and remarkable Victorian c.1890-1900 snake & sword ruby diamond brooch, modelled in 18k gold & platinum, hallmarked.

The snake entwined around the sword in Victorian era represents everlasting love, loyalty and honour. The snake's body coils around the sword, and it is set with large rose cut diamonds approx. 4.00ct by spread. There are two further rubies approx. 0.49ct, with a total weight of 4.49ctw.

The diamonds are open-backed to allow maximum light to pass through for a brilliant sparkle. The brooch pin opens and closes well, and all stones are present and in excellent condition.

It is a large and impressive piece, measuring 70mm x 22mm, and would make an amazing collector’s piece.

It is a wonderful and true testament to French expert craftsmenship of the Victorian era, and it is hallmarked with French assay marks on the brooch pin and catch. It also has a hand engraved inventory number '445' on the back of the brooch. Often, pieces from master craftsmen have personal inventory numbers assigned to custom pieces and this could have been one of those very pieces.

The brooch also weighs an impressive 20.56 grams of solid 18k gold and platinum, making it a very solid and well made piece. It can be worn on a coat, scarf, or pinned on a collar or even as an accessory to a hairdo.

This listing includes a custom project to convert the brooch into a wearable pendant.

Era - Victorian c.1890-1900
Materials - 18k gold and platinum / Rose Cut Diamond / Ruby
Carat Weight - Diamond: 4.00ct by spread / Ruby: 0.49ct / Total weight: 4.49ctw
Measurements - 70.3mm x 22.8mm
Weight - 20.61 grams