14K Yellow Gold Serpent Safety Pin Brooch
Brooch/Pin (Safety Pin Style) · Yellow Gold. Likely alloyed with silver and copper to achieve its classic warm hue.
Purity: 14K (58.5% Pure Gold). This is the standard for North American jewelry, balancing durability and gold content.
Type
Brooch/Pin (Safety Pin Style)
Purity
14K (58.5% Pure Gold). This is the standard for North American jewelry, balancing durability and gold content.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold. Likely alloyed with silver and copper to achieve its classic warm hue.
Weight
1.5 to 2.5 grams. The pin wire is thin and the serpent appears to be a lightweight casting.
Description
A charming and edgy 14K yellow gold safety pin brooch featuring a coiled serpent. The snake's body is intricately textured to catch the light, contrasting with the high-polish finish of the functional pin components. It represents a blend of punk-rock aesthetic with luxury materials.
Key Features
Coiled serpent motif, functional safety pin design, and diamond-cut texture on the snake body.
Color & Finish
Polished yellow gold with a textured 'diamond-cut' or cross-hatched finish on the serpent body to simulate scales.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks in the image, though usually located on the interior of the clasp head or the pin wire; typically stamped '14K' or '585'.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 1 inch (25mm) in length; standard petite decorative brooch size.
Gemstones & Inlays
None visible. The 'eyes' of the snake are rendered in gold texture rather than set stones.
Clasp & Closure
Safety pin mechanism. The sharpened wire snaps into a protective hood (clasp head) and is held by tension.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. The structural wire is a single continuous piece bent into a U-shape.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-cast serpent soldered onto a machine-drawn gold wire. The tension-set head is a standard jewelry component.
Authentication Indicators
Color consistency suggests solid gold rather than plating; the sharpness of the snake casting is typical of mid-tier gold jewelry.
Origin & Maker
Likely mass-produced in the United States, Italy, or Turkey. No specific maker's mark is identifiable.
Era & Period
Contemporary (Late 20th Century to Present). While snake motifs are Victorian, the safety pin style is a modern whimsical trend.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990s - 2010s. Based on the casting style and the popularity of 'fine-jewelry-as-utilitarian-objects' trends.
Cultural Significance
Safety pins were adopted by the 1970s punk movement as a symbol of rebellion, later elevated to high fashion by designers like Gianni Versace.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The pin appears straight with good spring tension. Minor surface scratches consistent with light wear.
Value Estimate
$150 - $275. Value is primarily based on gold weight plus a small premium for the novelty design.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ensure the pin wire remains sharp; do not use in heavy fabrics that might bend the gold.
Similar Items
Victorian serpent bar pins (which use C-clasps) or contemporary 18K designer versions from brands like Anita Ko.
Interesting Facts
The snake is a symbol of rebirth and eternal love. Queen Victoria's engagement ring was a serpent, sparking a major jewelry trend.