Cascading Gems Snake Brooch from The Met Museum

This dramatic serpentine brooch in 12K gold plate with glass gems recalls the wealth of jewels seen in portraits of elite members of the Tudor court, including King Henry VIII and his daughters, Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth I. In paintings, engravings, and other depictions, they are shown swathed in rich brocade and lace and lavishly adorned with precious gemstones and pearls, which were sewn on their garments, sometimes by the hundreds.