Ancient Egyptians noticed that the Dung Beetle rolled its dung into a ball to lay its eggs. The rolling of the ball was like the movement of the sun across the sky. That is how their god Khepri came to be shaped like a beetle and to be reborn every morning to make day happen.
The Western world began its love affair with Egypt with Napoleon I’s expedition in 1798. Along with his armies, he brought along scientists and artists who delved into the ancient Pharaohs and the exotic history of the land.
The affinity for the Egyptian aesthetic continued into the next century, and hit another peak in 1921, with the discovery of King Tut’s tomb.
This fantastic ring features a faience scarab on a 14 karat gold shank that allows the beetle to 'flip' either way! A very popular design, it hearkens back to Ancient Egyptian ring designs. Faience is a technique using quartz or sand crystals combined with potassium, sodium, magnesium and copper. The mixture is formed into the desired shape, carved into and fired. This scarab bead itself is most assuredly antique, and may even be ancient. As tombs were opened, some of the artifacts were sold independently during the archeological expeditions and by scavengers seeking to make a profit from the relics. While not practiced so much today, it was a common trinket for a traveler to pick up while touring the exotic country.
A little treasure to wear, to go from day to night with style and mad history!
Details (approximate)
Size (can be resized): 5
Weight: 3.8 grams
Materials: Gold, Faience Scarab
Metal: 14K yellow gold
Marks: Faience scarab is marked with hieroglyphs on reverse
Condition: Excellent Antique condition commensurate with age and wear