Victorian gold cased coiled serpent bangle

This coiled serpent bangle from the Victorian era (c.1870–1890) is crafted in gold-cased metal—a 19th-century technique where a solid layer of gold is mechanically bonded to a base metal core. Unlike surface-level gilding or vermeil, gold-cased jewelry offers a thicker gold layer with better durability, and is the historical predecessor of what we now call gold-filled.

The bangle’s form is both sculptural and practical: coiled and adjustable, it wraps gracefully around the wrist. While the inner diameter measures approximately 5.6 cm, its spring-like structure allows for a comfortable fit on wrists around 16–17 cm. The spring remains intact and responsive, holding its shape well when worn.

To wear, do not forcefully pull the coil open—instead, gently slide your wrist in from the opening at the serpent’s head, allowing the bangle to follow its natural spiral. It’s designed to flex slightly, not stretch.

Condition-wise, the bangle is in good antique state with expected signs of age. The gold layer at the tail shows more pronounced surface wear—visible thinning in areas where the underlying base metal subtly comes through. This type of wear is typical for gold-cased jewelry and part of its material honesty over time.

Please refer to our try-on photos for scale and styling. As condition assessments are subjective, we encourage you to click and enlarge the images to make your own evaluation.