The Victorians were fascinated with the carved scarab beetles that appeared in huge numbers in newly excavated ancient Egyptian tombs. The scarab's symbolism? A universal one: rebirth. But the dung beetle struck a special chord with the Victorians because they loved collecting animal and insect (and plant and geological) specimens -the more exotic, the better. Darwin's discoveries and exploration into all corners of the globe marked the 19th century as an age of Science. Combine the aesthetics of natural science and that of Egyptomania and you get this: a not-quite-Egyptian necklace set with not-quite-scarab beetles. These insects are actually from South America, so no Egyptian, ancient or otherwise, would have ever seen them. But style was more important to the Victorians than authenticity, and these iridescent green bugs are really pretty.
thedetails
- Materials
14k gold (tests), 12 scarab beetles, 3.5mm pearl
- Age
c. 1880
- Condition
Very good - some visible wear on the back sides of the scarab settings
- Size
16 1/4" length, 1 3/8" diameter of quatrefoil pendant

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.