Georgian Sterling Silver & Paste Snake Buckle Brooch
A striking Georgian sterling silver and paste buckle brooch, dating to the late 18th to early 19th century, circa 1790–1820.
The rectangular openwork design is formed from a series of beautifully intertwined serpents, their sinuous bodies set throughout with hand-cut clear paste stones. Serpent jewellery became particularly evocative of eternity, enduring love and protection, making the motif both decorative and symbolic.
The paste stones have the wonderfully irregular character associated with early Georgian jewellery. Paste — finely cut glass created to imitate diamonds — was an important and fashionable jewellery material in its own right during the Georgian period, particularly effective in candlelight. Georgian examples were commonly foil-backed and set into closed silver settings to increase their brilliance.
Originally made as a buckle, the piece appears to have subsequently been converted into a brooch, a very common practice as fashions changed during the 19th century. Comparable Georgian paste buckles are regularly found with later brooch fittings.
Date: Georgian, circa 1790–1820
Material: Sterling silver and clear paste
Design: Intertwined serpent / snake buckle
Fastening: Later brooch pin fitting
Condition: Good antique condition with age-related wear, patination and some variation to the paste stones, entirely commensurate with a piece of this age. Please refer to photographs as part of the condition description.
Measurements: 7 x 5cm
A wonderfully decorative and highly wearable piece of Georgian jewellery, combining the romance of the serpent motif with the unmistakable sparkle and character of early paste.
