19th century turquoise, ruby, and pearl snake necklace.

Snakes aren’t one of my usual motifs when it comes to accessories. I usually favor bows or flowers. But for this snake necklace, I’d make an exception.

Could this necklace possible be any cooler? Only if you consider the fact that it’s from the mid-19th century and still looks amazing. Seriously.

Snakes were a big deal in the Victorian era – Queen Victoria’s engagement ring was actually a snake. It’s a symbol of eternal love and wisdom.

This snake necklace is designed as a series of links shaped like coiled snakes, alternating in size and also graduated. Each snake is set with cabochon turquoises along the body with a pearl head and ruby eyes. Several snakes suspend additional pearl drops.

I don’t even have any more words. This is amazing. Please admire it with me.

This Victorian snake necklace was listed in Sotheby’s December 2012 The Jewellery Collection of the Late Michael Wellby: An Eclectic Eye – Jewels Spanning Four Centuries sale. All images and info are thanks to Sotheby’s.