14K Yellow Gold Vintage Nouveau-Style Snake Safety Pin Brooch
Brooch/Pin (Safety Pin Style) · Yellow Gold (classic warm tone)
Purity: 14K / 585 fine gold, consisting of 58.5% pure gold alloyed with copper and silver for durability.
Type
Brooch/Pin (Safety Pin Style)
Purity
14K / 585 fine gold, consisting of 58.5% pure gold alloyed with copper and silver for durability.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (classic warm tone)
Weight
Estimated 1.5 - 2.5 grams
Description
This charming yellow gold brooch takes the utilitarian form of a safety pin and elevates it with a sinuous, textured serpent winding around the frame. The design blends the punk-rock aesthetic of the safety pin with Victorian era 'Eternal Love' snake symbolism.
Key Features
Serpentine coil motif, textured scale detailing, functional safety pin design.
Color & Finish
Mid-tone yellow gold with a high-polish finish on the safety pin head and a textured, scales-pattern finish on the serpent body.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible in the image; typically found on the inside of the pin head or the needle stem (14K or 585).
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 25mm to 35mm in length; wire gauge approximately 0.8mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; features a relief-carved gold snake with textured scales.
Clasp & Closure
Integrated safety pin tension closure with a traditional U-shaped cap.
Chain & Links
N/A; item is a rigid safety pin frame with a serpent applique.
Craftsmanship Details
The snake appears to be cast separately and soldered to the pin frame; the pin head is stamped out of sheet gold.
Authentication Indicators
Color consistency is indicative of solid gold rather than plating; high-quality casting of the snake scales suggests professional manufacturing.
Origin & Maker
Likely commercial jewelry production, USA or Italy origin.
Era & Period
Modern reproduction with Late Victorian/Art Nouveau revival influences.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980s - 2000s based on the casting quality and pin mechanics.
Cultural Significance
The snake represents rebirth, transformation, and healing across many cultures, while the safety pin represents protection and unity.
Condition Notes
Very Good; slight surface wear on the pin head, pin stem appears straight with good tension.
Value Estimate
$120 - $250 (Retail); $70 - $110 (Melt/Secondary Market).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft toothbrush and warm soapy water. Avoid bending the pin stem repeatedly to prevent metal fatigue.
Similar Items
Victorian lace pins, 10K gold baby pins, contemporary high-end safety pin earrings by brands like Anita Ko.
Interesting Facts
Snake jewelry became a massive trend in the mid-19th century after Prince Albert proposed to Queen Victoria with a serpent ring featuring an emerald-set head.