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 conversion ring features a faience scarab set in 9 karat gold, on a 14 karat gold shank. 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 intrigue!
Details (Approximate):
Size: 7
Dimensions: Ring top is 3/4"
Weight: 4.52 grams
Materials: Gold, Faience
Metal: 14K (shank); 9K (original element)
Marks: 14K
Condition: Excellent converted Antique collection commensurate with age and wear