1920s 18k Gold Egyptian Revival Faience Scarab Bracelet

This is part of Chairish’s Fine Jewelry assortment.

This 18k gold bracelet contains eight scarabs in various shades of blues, greens, and browns, each with a unique hieroglyphic. Made from clay, the scarab beads get their coloring when copper within the clay turns turquoise during the firing process; no two scarabs are alike and their rustic nature make this piece fascinating to look at. The 18k gold bezel mounts have a saw tooth that adds a graphic and holds the scarabs in place. The hand-carved hieroglyphics on the back of each scarab are very detailed— and must they tell a story in an ancient language.

During the early 19th century, the discoveries of ancient archaeological finds influenced what is referred to as “Egyptian Revival Jewelry.” The first Egyptian Revival period began around the 1820’s when Egyptian ruins were unearthed. Images such as the scarab beetle, sphinxes, pharaohs, and hieroglyphics became popular in fashion. Some pieces were crafted using a material known as Egyptian Paste or “faience”, which is the oldest form of non-clay glazed ceramic, and is often found in a range of blue and green colors. This bracelet is from the 1920’s, the third Egyptian revival period. At that time there was another unearthing of treasures, so the trend was once again popular.

The bracelet is unmarked and acid tests as 18k gold. There are eight scarabs, each is approximately 5/8” x 7/16”. The bracelet is 7 3/8” and weighs 18 grams.

Circa the 1920’s.