Why Did It Have to Be Snakes?

Like Henry Jones Jr. with his simple fedora and classic leather whip, I was never much of a big-time accessories person until a couple of years ago.

But then, all of a sudden the idea of jewelry became much less of an afterthought for me. I still don't wear very much jewelry or other accessories, but when I do, gold is often involved. This summer I wore a lot of black and gold and wood with gold, Lately I've been coveting animal jewelry, specifically a jaguar/panther type big cat, and snakes!

Apparently, gold snake jewelry became popular in Victorian culture, which stemmed from a fascination with the ancient Egyptians, who of course had been adorning themselves with images of serpents for thousands of years prior. The Victorians saw the serpent as a symbol of sexuality and eternity.

I've got a Eugenia Kim belt with a hunter green strap and a big gold kitty with a black jewel for an eye, but thus far no snakes to speak of. Although gold serpent jewelry is still made today in droves, I think finding an older piece would be all the more interesting.

Here's the always lovely and flawless Dita von Teese rocking some serpent jewels. When is this gal not dripping in diamonds? I'd gladly settle for plain old gold. I am the picture of humility, no?