Antique Victorian Chinese Huanghuali Wood Carved Snake Serpent Bangle Bracelet

This is a stunning example of Victorian Era snake or serpent jewelry. Queen Victoria popularized snake jewelry after Prince Albert gave her a snake engagement ring. The Victorians came to associate the snake motif with eternal love, while for the early Egyptians before them, the snake or serpent was the symbol of royalty and deity. (Victoria's engagement ring had, therefore, a double significance!) Over time, the snake gathered other meanings, coming to symbolize sexuality, rebirth, and wisdom.

This snake bangle is made of some kind of carved wood. A listing for a similar bracelet identifies it as possibly Chinese Huanghauli wood, which may or may not be correct. What I can say for sure about this bracelet is that it is old and rare, beautifully carved, and in superb condition!