Snake Diamond Bangle

Early to mid 20th century gold bangle set with Old European Cut diamonds weighing 6.05ctw in 18k.

This is a Straits Chinese gold bypass bangle, the snake an Anglophile tradition in these type of solid gold jewelry loved for its weighted form.

The 12 OEC diamonds are a mixed color, with clear inclusions typical of antique diamonds from this region.

These diamonds are not considered high quality, but they do not affect the refined beauty of this cuff. The photos give the impression of warmer diamonds than in person.

It is possible this bangle is older than we give it, for it has been polished and we cannot date it accurately.

Signs of antiquity come from its idiosyncratic, savvy etchings, and even its lack of teeth, the latter is possible from a custom request (also our first snake bangle minus fangs!), a personal undertaking from one torn between fondness and misgiving about loving the snake.

We have had one Straits snake diamond bangle older than this one, but it is also six times over its price.

The reality remains it is uncommon to have the snake bangle come to the market, for many are passed on within the family.

From the moment one of these is made by hand, these Straits snake bangles are loved over and over again, fetching in that tradition of felinity.

The bangle weighs 44 grams, its oval form with a 6cm diameter.