An antique engraved gold and blue enamel hinged bangle bracelet in the form of a coiled serpent, the head set with an aquamarine and old-mine diamonds, in 18k. French import marks

The serpent motif in jewelry reached a feverish level of popularity after Prince Albert
gave a snake engagement ring to Queen Victoria. The snake in this
case signified eternal love. But snake jewelry dates back to ancient times. For the Egyptians, the creature represented royalty and the divine; for the Greeks, the full circle formed by a serpent eating its tail - the ouroboros, which literally means "tail-devourer" - evoked the circle of life. Snake jewelry continues to make a striking statement, and many pieces feature eyes and
foreheads encrusted with gemstones, as seen in this exceptional bracelet. Enamel is also often used as a decorative element, which adds drama to the designs and imitates the iridescent skin of these intriguing creatures.