{"product_id":"antique-georgian-9k-gold-ouroboros-snake-mourning-hair-pin","title":"Early 19th c. 9k Gold Ouroboros Snake Hair Pin","description":"The ouroboros is an ancient symbol steeped in myth and legend that depicts a snake, or sometimes a dragon, eating its own tail.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJust as the snake, a symbol of creative life force, sheds its own skin and regenerates new skin, the ouroboros sustains itself by eating its own tail.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe circle represents eternity--and the ouroboros is also often depicted as a lemniscate shape (figure eight), which is the symbol of infinity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe use of the ouroboros motif dates back as far as ancient Egypt, where its first known occurrence is found in the Enigmatic Book of the Netherworld, a cryptographic funerary text from the tomb of Tutankhamun.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe ouroboros was also famously used in alchemical texts, having various meanings, such as the symbol of Mercury, the duality of existence, the philosopher's stone, eternity, and the soul of the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLater, during the Georgian era, the ouroboros motif was often used in mourning jewelry, such as this piece, as a symbol of the endless cycle of life and death as well as enduring eternal love.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis rare 9k gold mourning brooch features a braided lock of hair in the center. There is evidence that this is actually an early conversion piece from a clasp. Many Georgian pieces were made in higher karat gold, but rings and clasps were often done in 9k, as it was more durable.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAccepting requests for ring conversion as well. Contact me for a quote.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e+++ Measurements +++\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasures approximately 3\/4\" in length\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e+++ Condition +++\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood condition with minor patina from age. This is a conversion piece made from a clasp, and there is evidence of this on the underside, but it cannot be seen when worn. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e+++ Please read +++\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis item is not new, and as such, it has wear commensurate with age. As with all older vintage and antique items, please handle with care. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAll items are sold as-is, and I do my best to point out all condition issues and provide a detailed description and photographs. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eI do not accept returns or offer refunds. Please see all photos, read the entire description, and ask any questions before purchasing. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThank you! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Witchy Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49973589508346,"sku":"1688172780","price":345.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0837\/7319\/4490\/files\/IMG_20190919_143807_99fd4b4e-6474-40e5-89df-7039f22d941a.jpg?v=1785698793","url":"https:\/\/www.the419plug.com\/products\/antique-georgian-9k-gold-ouroboros-snake-mourning-hair-pin","provider":"The Plug","version":"1.0","type":"link"}