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Serpent Motifs Are Slithering Back Into Popularity—and We Are Loving It

The snake makes its dramatic return in design, textiles, and jewelry.

Headshot of Sarah DiMarcoBy Sarah DiMarco
snake style report
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The powerful, sensuous, and feminine serpent continues to seduce the decorative arts and fashion industries. The snake—symbolically representing healing, wisdom, rejuvenation, sensuality, evil, and death—carries a mystic duality that one can't help but be intrigued by. Simultaneously respected and feared, modern creatives are once again exploring the wonder of the snake motif with vigor.

The serpent is one of the oldest and most recognized symbols in the world, and many cultures throughout history have had their own specific meaning for the reptile. One of the earliest examples of the snake motif being used in jewelry comes from ancient Egypt, where the Uraeus (the upright form of a cobra) was depicted on headpieces to symbolize sovereignty and the divine. Examples of snakes used in art can be found prominently in works from the Italian Renaissance and Baroque, where they served as a pedagogical tool to evoke strong emotions from the viewers. Meanwhile, imagery and ornate decorative pieces showcasing double-headed serpents can be traced back to Mesoamerican civilizations.

To this day, the snake remains an important figure in decorative arts and design across the world. While modern artisans take cues from the past, the snake motifs en vogue now embrace the daring spirit of the animal in thoughtful ways. Here, our favorite picks celebrating the intriguing serpent motif.

1

Boudoir Vintage Italian 14k White Gold and Two Colors Diamonds Snake Necklace

Italian 14k White Gold and Two Colors Diamonds Snake Necklace
1

Boudoir Vintage Italian 14k White Gold and Two Colors Diamonds Snake Necklace

$1,700 at Etsy

A striking yet elegant interpretation of the creature, this vintage Italian necklace features a snake pendant set with a pavé of white and champagne diamonds. The snake inside a circle conjures symbols of love and eternity.

2

Liz Marsh Designs Serpent Lamp With Oak Base and Cap

Serpent Lamp With Oak Base and Cap
2

Liz Marsh Designs Serpent Lamp With Oak Base and Cap

Houston-based artist Liz Marsh captures the surpringly playful spirit of the serpent in this decoupage lamp. The snake's gray and terracotta tones—paired with the oak base—give the lamp an earthy quality.

3

Pierre Frey Venimeuses Fabric

Venimeuses Fabric
3

Pierre Frey Venimeuses Fabric

Belgium-based decorator Victoria-Maria Geyer worked with textile powerhouse Pierre Frey to present a collection that celebrates the powerful snake. This Venimeuses fabric, featuring three snakes embroidered on a linen canvas, recalls 18th-century engraved animal planks.

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4

Anthony Lent 18K Gold Diamond Serpent Ring

18K Gold Diamond Serpent Ring
4

Anthony Lent 18K Gold Diamond Serpent Ring

The rattlesnake's ability to evoke a sense of both evil and healing has fascinated jewelry designer Anthony Lent since he was a child. This gold and diamond ring—which also comes in rose gold and platinum—pays homage to the curious creature in a subtle yet impactful way.

5

Laboratorio Paravicini Serpi Dinner Plates N°2 Set of 3

Serpi Dinner Plates N°2 Set of 3
5

Laboratorio Paravicini Serpi Dinner Plates N°2 Set of 3

Don't worry: These hand-turned ceramic plates by Laboratorio Paravicini don't bite. Each plate features snakes intertwined and floral accents to create a beautiful nature scene.

6

Paige Barnes Dorsey Blue and White Garden Snake Candelabra With Apple

 Blue and White Garden Snake Candelabra With Apple
6

Paige Barnes Dorsey Blue and White Garden Snake Candelabra With Apple

Now 31% Off

Whimsy slithers its way onto your dining table in the form of this hand-sculpted snake candelabra by Alabama-based artist Paige Barnes Dorsey. The hand painted floral design was inspired by the beauty and patterns of timeless china, making it an instant family heirloom.

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7

Roberto Coin 18K Gold Primavera Diamond Accent Snake Cuff Bracelet

18K Gold Primavera Diamond Accent Snake Cuff Bracelet
7

Roberto Coin 18K Gold Primavera Diamond Accent Snake Cuff Bracelet

Jewelry house Roberto Coin utilized cutting-edge technology to create incredibly lightweight and innovative pieces for their Primavera collection. The shape of this woven cuff bracelet subtly nods to the curves of a serpent.

8

Khaite Tania Snake-Effect Leather Bomber Jacket

Tania Snake-Effect Leather Bomber Jacket
8

Khaite Tania Snake-Effect Leather Bomber Jacket

Khaite's python-embossed leather jacket was inspired by filmmaker David Lynch's signature fusion of darkness and light. The oversized, zip-front silhouette and zipper details give the runway favorite an elevated punk vibe.

9

Desmond & Dempsey Long Pyjama Set Wild Icons Print

Long Pyjama Set Wild Icons Print
9

Desmond & Dempsey Long Pyjama Set Wild Icons Print

Desmond & Dempsey gives the classic tailored pajama set a quirky twist in this cozy number. The set beautifully contrasts the toughness of the Western-inspired print and the softness of the pajamas.

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10

Jonathan Adler Eden Lacquer Jewelry Box

Eden Lacquer Jewelry Box
10

Jonathan Adler Eden Lacquer Jewelry Box

Your most beloved jewelry pieces deserve to have an ultra-chic home—and this lacquer box by Jonathan Adler is just the place. Featuring intertwined gold serpents set on a high-gloss orange backdrop, this jewelry box will make a powerful statement on any vanity.

Headshot of Sarah DiMarco
Sarah DiMarco

Sarah DiMarco is the Assistant Editor at VERANDA, covering all things art, design, and travel, and she also manages social media for the brand. 

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