-Egyptian Revival 1870 Victorian Natural Scarab Beetles Suite In Box In 14Kt Yellow Gold In Fitted Box
Egyptian revival scarab beetles suite.
Very rare suite, created in England during the Victorian period, back in the 1870. Carefully crafted with Egyptian revival patterns in yellow gold of 14 karats and mounted with 5 genuine green scarab beetles with beautiful metallic iridescence. The brooch is fitted with a hinged horizontal pin with a security hook to wear as a brooch and a retractable folding bale to wear in a chain. The earrings are fitted with French hook for pierced ears. A truly remarkable and whimsical pieces, highly desired and very collectible.
History: For centuries, Ancient Egypt has held the fascination of the public and continues to inspire artists and designers alike. Between the 1860 and 1890, ancient cities were discovered, such as Troy, Pompeii and Alexandria. Archaeological excavations in Egypt, Greece and Rome, discovered artistic pieces of these ancient cultures. These fabulous discoveries, stimulated cultural trips to these countries, popularly called "grand tour". Being the case that the enthusiast visitors bring back small objects, like souvenirs to be assembled into jewelry. The starting point of these trips were in the cities of Rome and Venice. this is why the craftsman's of these cities created small and interesting objects with ancient characteristics like this suite.
In addition during the half of the nineteenth-century, the publication of Darwin’s Origin of Species coupled with massive urbanization resulted in a popular fascination with the natural world. One of the more weird and wonderful ways this fascination manifested was as a fad for jewelry created from the iridescent green shells of scarab beetles. The little jewel-toned bugs were incorporated into everything from hatpins to bracelets, earrings and necklaces. In 1884 the Countess Granville even had an entire suite crafted of beetles
Weight: Combined of 29.95 Grams, (19.21 Dwt).
Measurements: Pendant is 45 mm by 55 mm (1.77 x 2.17 Inches). Earrings are 35 mm by 23 mm (1.37 x 0.91 Inches).
Hallmarks: No marks, tested for 14 karats gold.
Revival jewelry: The styles from the renaissance and middle ages, begun in the 1850’s, The Renaissance and Egyptian revivals were joined by a classical revival of Greek and Etruscan styles to conform a new aesthetic. As a result of the construction work on the Suez canal in the mid-1860’s and the Egyptian excavations of Auguste Mariette and the resultant exhibit of Egyptian treasures at the exposition Universelle in 1867, a fascination for all things Egyptian and ancient cultures developed.
Collateral: It is accompanied by the original 19th century presentation fitted jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this set is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The beatles are secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: PE120722MENM/.5618
