Gorgeous double snake brooch, the two intertwined snakes highly decorated with black patterened enamel, holding a crosshatched ball in their open mouthes. The snakes heads are decorated with diamonds and they have diamond eyes. The ends of their tails are also decorated with diamonds. I love how the snakes are almost symmetrical- but not quite, enhancing the unique artistry of the maker.
Hanging from the ball is a black enamel heart, decorated with a diamond crown and the initials 'A E' .
 
The back of the heart bears the inscription 'In memory of my dear mother born 21 June 1769, died Aug 16th 1848' The heart hinges open to reveal a glass locket which also hinges open, to store hair or some such memento.
 
18 carat gold, enamel and diamonds
 
Measures approx -70mm long x 37mm wide
Heart - 20mm x 19mm
 
Weight - 20g
 
Condition - excellent