Description

Victorian Serpentine Watch Fob Seal Pendant

c. mid to late 1800s

Since I was a kid, I’ve referred to all snakes by the name Snaky. I’m one of those unicorn women (in this case only) that isn’t scared of snakes. If it’s not a venomous snake, it can stay. But snakes in vintage jewelry, I think we can all get behind those! Snakes were very popular in jewelry design in the Victorian era. Our Victorian serpentine watch fob seal pendant is a perfect example of the trend.

What We Love About It:

Victorian Serpentine Watch Fob Seal Pendant

Well, for starters, I love that this snake has teeth. I always things of snakes as having fangs, but not this guy. He has a full mouth of teeth. But maybe my favorite part is the little amethyst flower seal on the bottom of the fob. It even has a little wax still left in the seal – I left it there because it’s a reminder that these fobs were once very practical in their myriad uses.

The Deets:

I’ve hung the pendant, which was once likely a women’s watch fob, from a fairly heavy 16″, 14kt yellow gold rope chain with a barrel clasp and safety lock. The fob itself is 9kt yellow gold, fashioned in the shape of a serpent wrapped into a figure eight. The serpent is attached at the bottom of its body to a small bezel-set, foil backed, amethyst intaglio fob, carved into the shape of a flower. It measures 7/8″ long from the bail to the bottom of the fob, and the base of the fob measures 7/16″ by 3/8″. The necklace in its entirely weighs 6.31g. The chain can be swapped out for a different length and/or style – message me for pricing before you purchase, if you’d like something different. 

As you can see from one of the photos, the fob plays nicely with other charms, to make a great charm stack. And if you have any letters you want to be sure stay sealed and their contents unread by anyone other than the intended recipient, this is one snake that is actually here to help.