Late 19th century flexible diamond snake necklace.

This antique diamond snake necklace has me wanting to speak Parseltongue.*

Seriously, have you ever seen a sexier slitherer? From the graduated shape of the body to the ruby cabochon eyes and that gasp-worthy pear-shaped drop in the tail, this is one boa that I’d go to serious lengths for.

I love the metalwork detail on the head, too; those parallel ridges give extra definition to the ruby cabochon eyes. The head is set with cushion-cut diamonds – many small ones and one larger one right on the top. The body of the snake is graduated towards the nape of the neck and made of articulated arch shaped links each set with brilliant cut diamonds.

This diamond snake necklace is mounted in silver and gold, which makes sense due to its age, but makes it all the more impressive that this large and complex piece is still in such good shape. This piece is circa 1890.

I think it’s fun and fabulous in a sexy Disney villain kind of way. And so luxurious, with that dangling diamond drop at the end of the tail! This piece measures 17 inches, so that pear-shaped drop would dangle right above a lady’s decolletage when this was worn.

Would you ever wear something like this? What would you pair it with? I’m having trouble imagining it with anything other than a low-cut black dress.

This gorgeous diamond snake necklace is currently for sale at S.J Phillips (listed price: “More than £50,000.”). All images and info are thanks to S.J. Phillips.

* It’s my blog and I’ll make Harry Potter jokes if I want to!