Antique Victorian French Diamond Stag and Snake Brooch 9ct Gold

An exquisite antique stag and serpent brooch made in France in the mid-19th Century. The pair is depicted in an intense life and death battle with the snake coiled tightly around the stag’s body and his venomous mouth is face to face with the stag's.

Stags are considered natural enemies of snakes and are known to draw them out of their holes with their breath and trample them to death. They have been used throughout history to represent the eternal struggle of good and evil and were also seen in Biblical symbolism with the stag representing Christ and the serpent the Devil.

The piece is decorated with eighteen large rose cut diamond shards inlaid into an engraved 9ct gold stag. They shimmer beautifully in the light and total over 8ct (approx.) The pair is also set with pink ruby eyes and the snake is painted with a royal blue enamel scale pattern that chases down the entirety of its body.

It’s a unique antique find, highly collectable and in excellent condition. It’s complete with a strong pin at the back and bears a small 9ct French clover mark on the back of the leg.

We recommend you insure for £4,300. We can provide a written Valuation on completion of the sale.