Absolutely stunning antique snake earrings, designed as three snakes: one coiled at the top, and two more coiled rather like an inverted caduceus, with the heads of the snakes at the bottom instead of the top, and between their bodies three hollow gilded balls, graduating in size as the curves widen.
The heads cross over at the bottom, and another smaller ball hangs between them.
 
The snake pendants can be removed from the tops so that a smaller version can be worn for the day.
 
The tops fasten from back to front, with a small hinge to open the clip.
The gold wire that passes through the ear is solid gold so there is no fear of sore ears!
 
The snakes' bodies are made from super fine mesh, gilded  with yellow gold, their heads from embossed gilded metal.
Their eyes are emerald coloured pastes.
 
weighs - 12.7g
measures about 80mm long x 20mm wide
English circa 1850 - 70
Gilded metal and green pastes.
Excellent condition