LONDON.- A stunning Ptolemaic-era gold snake bracelet, crafted over two millennia ago, is set to be a highlight of Apollo Art Auctions' upcoming sale on January 25th. The 21-carat gold piece, dating from approximately 332-30 BC, is expected to attract significant interest from collectors of ancient jewelry.

The bracelet, weighing 45 grams and measuring 90mm x 60mm, is designed as a coiled snake with five turns. The head and tail are rendered with remarkable realism, featuring individually engraved scales that showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of the period. A smooth band section in the middle of the snake's body provides a visual contrast to the detailed head and tail.



Snake imagery was highly significant in ancient Egyptian culture, often associated with royalty, protection, and rebirth. This bracelet, therefore, would have been a valuable and symbolic piece of adornment for its wearer.

Apollo Art Auctions has noted a comparable piece sold at Christie's (Live Auction 2771, Ancient Jewelry, Lot 270), providing a point of reference for potential buyers.



The bracelet’s provenance is well-documented. It comes from a private London collection and was acquired on the London art market in the 1980s. As with all items offered by Apollo Art Auctions, this piece has been checked against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter, ensuring its legitimacy. Additionally, the bracelet is accompanied by an authentication statement from Sami Fortune, an expert in ancient jewelry.



The sale takes place on January 25th. Collectors and enthusiasts of ancient history and jewelry are encouraged to view the full catalog and register for the auction on the Apollo Art Auctions website.