19TH CENTURY DOULBE OUROBOROS FOB PENDANT ‘TENTANDA VIA EST’

A superb double ouroboros fob pendant from the early 19th century, circa 1830/40.

The fob frame is made of 10ct gold, and is formed in the shape of a large ouroboros snake with a mini ouroboros snake bail.

The large snake is almost fish like with a fully scaled body, and expressive face - you can even see his teeth biting the end of his tail.

This depiction was common in late Georgian and early Victorian jewellery.

Literally meaning ‘tail-devourer’.

The Ouroboros represented the concept of ‘eternity’ and ‘love everlasting’.

The bright orange carnelian seal at the base of the fob has family coat of arms with the words:

 ‘TENTANDA VIA EST’

It translates to ‘The way must be tried’ or ‘A path must be attempted’.

The phrase originated from the ancient Roman poet Virgil's famous work ‘The Georgics’

The shield on the intaglio has so much symbolism, surmounted by a double headed eagle, there is a central hand and a chevron design, which will relate to a certain branch of the family lineage that originally commissioned the seal.

I absolutely love the double ouroboros! It looks supercool hanging simply on a fine chain or on a chunky Albert!

MEASUREMENTS

Size approx: H: 3.5cm x W: 2.8cm x D: 2.2cm

WEIGHT

Weight approx: 16.2g 

MATERIALS

10ct gold (XRF tested),carnelian

CONDITION

Excellent, some minor tarnish in places - see photos for full details

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