Vintage Snake Bangle in Gold & Rubies, England 1972

In the creation of this elegant reptile, the arts of goldsmithing and engineering come together in a remarkable union. The serpent’s body is formed from a gold *gas pipe chain*, a type of flexible metalwork whose name derives from an engineering innovation of the 1920s. During this period, new methods made it possible to manufacture metal gas pipes that were exceptionally strong and durable, yet remained flexible and pliable. This innovation was eagerly adopted by jewellers, who recognised the decorative potential of such flexible tubing for necklaces and bracelets. Before long, the so-called *gas pipe chain*, fashioned in gold or silver, had become popular throughout Europe. Known in English as *gas tube* or *Tubogas*, it became a characteristic element of Art Deco jewellery. The technique involves a slightly flattened, flexible tube constructed from a continuous, interlocking metal strip. The resulting structure combines remarkable flexibility with sufficient firmness to sit securely around the neck or wrist. The Tubogas chain forming the body of our serpent is crafted from 9-carat yellow gold and terminates in solid gold elements representing the snake’s head and tail. Two faceted rubies form the eyes of the finely engraved, scale-covered head, lending the creature a mysterious expression. The bracelet has no clasp; instead, an internal steel spring allows it to be gently opened and adjusted. The serpent can thus coil elegantly around the wrist or be worn higher up on the arm, where it would make a particularly striking accessory to a sleeveless dress. Serpent jewellery has a history stretching back to classical antiquity and was already an established motif in the jewellery of ancient Egypt. According to its hallmarks, the present piece was made in 1972, demonstrating how the distinctive design vocabulary of Art Deco continued to flourish well into the post-war decades.

Stima:3.290€

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