Victorian 14K Gold and Coral Medusa Snake Bracelet

This coral bracelet from the Victorian era is a masterwork.  It features a carved coral medusa head flanked by carved coral medieval Renaissance style dolphins. The imaginative use of some of the finest intertwined snakes of gold tie the bracelet together.  The snakes are bridles for the dolphin mouths, love knots, and intertwining designs for the top and bottom of the medusa head. 

The bracelet is hinged at the back and the clasp is at the front.  The medusa head clasp comes off and even can be worn as a pendant. The dolphins rest in a gold cutout with intricate hand engravings that lead to more gold intertwined snakes and an oval coral flower medallion. This is a piece of art and it can be studied as such for its fine craftsmanship and detail. The Medusa head is 18mm x 14mm and is set with a multi prong mount.  The dolphins fit in a beautiful gold mount with teeth at the front and a grommeted gold strap towards the back holding the carved curved 2" coral in place. Every surface of the gold is hand tooled and engraved. 

The coral bracelet has 7 1/4" inside dimension, 1 3/8" at the widest and 3/8" at the back. The gold is unmarked and acid test to be 14 karat gold. Beautiful patina and deep red coral. In very good condition only minor wear.

Circa 1860