The famous Cartier snake necklace designed for the Mexican actress Maria Felix in 1968 was the inspiration for this unique necklace. You can see a picture of it at http://www.diamonddivas.be/index.php?id=35
I drooled over Cartier’s necklace for a long time until finally; during my casting class I had the opportunity to make my version of it.
I used the Lost-Wax method. I carved the snake head, small part of the body and tail from wax. My teacher, casted the pieces in solid sterling silver. I then cleaned, polished and constructed the rest of the necklace. Two 4mm ‘new blue’ grade AAA topaz semi precious gems make up the snake’s eyes.
I looked for a long time for the right combination of beads to make up the body and create the feel of the 2,473 diamonds used in Cartier’s version. I achieved my goal using Bali Silver tube beads and Swarvoski Crystal silver-plated rondelles.
Figuring out the mechanics of the necklace was no small task either. The necklace is strung on 16 gauge sterling silver wire that resembles the snake’s tongue and serves as the clasp in the front.
