The Victorians were great fans of novelty jewelry. Ornaments of curiosity were designed with consideration for beauty and color, but also with the intent to amuse and delight the wearer. Such eccentric styles include mounted hummingbird heads, tiny golden renderings of mice, and bejeweled flies, just to name a few. These c. 1880 buggy-eyed scarab pendant (formerly a stickpin) would have been classed a "Cleopatra ornament" at the time it was made, though it bears little relation to the jewels of Ancient Egypt, and in fact, the beetles were most likely imported from South America.
thedetails
- Materials
14k gold (tests), beetle, new 14k gold chain
- Age
c. 1880
- Condition
Very good - converted from a stickpin into a pendant
- Size
5/8" length including the bale, 18" chain
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Aboutthe
VictorianEra
1837 — 1901
please note:Terms of Sale
Antiques can be returned unworn and in original condition within 10 days of delivery for an exchange or refund minus the cost of shipping. Once a piece has been altered, including ring re-sizing, it is FINAL SALE.