Snakes on a Chain

By Suzanne Singer
February 25, 2010

Anna Sui Spring 2010 (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMG), Sarah Jessica Parker (Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images), Lanvin Spring 2010 (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images)

Snakes are one of the oldest mythological symbols. We all know the Judeo-Christian Biblical story of the deceptive snake tempting innocent Eve to eat the apple. But for all of the negative connotations placed on the serpent, there are many who believe the opposite holds true. In some cultures, snakes have been considered guardians of religious places, celebrated for their bravery and thought of as symbols of rebirth and renewal (for their practice of shedding their skin and growing a new one).

The snake is practically as present a motif in jewelry design as it is in mythology. The Eve story seems to have inspired jewelry designer Kenneth Jay Lane, who frequently uses snakes in his designs. According to him, “If Eve wasn’t fascinated by the snake we’d still be in the Garden of Eden where they didn’t wear jewelry. Snake jewelry became very fashionable during the 19^th century and I believe will go on being worn until we are back in Eden.”

Jewelry designer Kara Ross also feels the everlasting allure of wearing snake jewelry. “I've been interested in vintage jewelry, watches, clothing, etc. for as long as I can remember. It's a true source of inspiration for me. The snake collection that we showed recently was inspired by a vintage David Webb piece I came across. I liked the literal treatment of the snake motif and thought it would be interesting to design a snake head out of this antiqued gold chain we found, incorporating semi-precious stones. We built on the collection from there from necklaces to bracelets to cufflinks. I think we're retiring the snake for a bit, but it will be back. I love it.”

With designers like Anna Sui and Lanvin showing snakes coiling around the necks and wrists of models strutting down the runway for their Spring 2010 collections and celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Emly Blunt and Chloe Sevigny sporting the look, there is no denying that the trend has struck.

Slither into some snake jewelry with one of these stylish pieces:

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Silver Snake Stud Earrings (buy it now price, $770.00)These are cute without being creepy.
Whiting & Davis Vintage Silver Necklace (buy it now price, $103.45)The clasp is adjustable, so you can wear this piece as a belt or a necklace.
Diamond Earrings (buy it now price, $42.99)Totally elegant despite their serpentine origins.
Antique Gold and Turquoise Snake Necklace (buy it now price price, $1,495) Pink sapphire eyes add even more personality.
Cocktail Ring (buy it now price, $35)Over the top (in a good way): a chunky stone with a snake woven through it.
Sterling Bangle (buy it now price, $67.95)Show some skin between the coils.
Snake Ring (buy it now price, $9.98)The contrasting light and dark rhinestones look perfect slithering up your finger.
Heidi Daus Bangle (buy it now price, $269.95)Unabashed bling with a Far Eastern appeal.