Gold, carbuncle garnet and rock crystal snake neckl

Gold, carbuncle garnet and rock crystal snake necklace, c. 1845, overlapping link chain the texture of snakeskin, the head carved and set with garnet cabochons suspends a locket from an open mouth, with a smaller serpent entwined around a foil-backed heart-shaped garnet cabochon, crystal covered chamber on reverse, the tongue of the clasp enters the side of the head so that the snake appears to be biting its tail, 15"