At the heart of this beautiful antique Victorian ring sits a scarab beetle; an ancient symbol of protection, transformation and renewal. Designed in the manner of ancient Egyptian jewellery, the carved scarab rotates head over tail within its mount, echoing archaeological forms that captivated European jewellers during the Egyptian Revival. A superb and wearable example of design; sculptural, historic and endlessly compelling. To Victorian collectors, the scarab motif embodied mystery and the romance of rediscovered civilisations. Ancient Egyptian scarab rings were worn as swivelling seals. This teal bluish green scarab is made of faience and the gold work is exquisite. Wire-wrapped shoulders and textured detailing faithfully echo the forms of ancient Egyptian jewellery, while the scarab itself bears incised hieroglyphic-style markings to the reverse. Unmarked, but clearly the work of a skilled jeweller, made around 1880. It has an excellent, weighty presence and all moving parts function smoothly, making it both a rare survivor and a genuinely wearable piece of 19th century jewellery with layered meaning and exceptional charm. Please note there is a very old chip to the top end of the faience. Faience is a type of ceramic material, produced in Egypt for many thousands of years, and was thought to hold magical properties of fertility, renewal, and rebirth, making it a fitting material to echo the scarab’s symbol of immortality.
Measurements: UK ring size approx N 1/2, US size approx 7 1/4, France size approx. 54 1/2
Weighs: 4.3 grams
Hallmarks: none, tests as 18ct gold
