A Scarab Swivel Ring
the central swivel scarab with figural Egyptian motif shoulders, to a plain polished shank
finger size K1/2

In Ancient Egypt, scarab beetles were regarded as sacred, and used a symbol of good luck; they were regularly seen in jewellery. Often the objects were funerary – so made specifically for use in burial: to bring good fortune in the after-life.

Scarabs were created in beetle form, from faience, steatite or occasionally gemstones such as amethyst, and carved to show the rudimentary detail – the earliest form of cameo carving. These scarabs were worn as amulets or used as seals.

The late 1860s brought the Egyptian Revival period to all fashion including jewellery, following keen international interest in excavations in Egypt and elsewhere, and reports on the findings of those projects. The building of the Suez Canal between 1859 and 1869 fuelled the fascination in all things Egyptian, and scarabs once again were a popular motif in jewellery. It has been said that European interpretations of the style in the mid 19^th century created a look that was “more Egyptian” than the original jewels.