Scarab beetle brooch / pin.
Short description
A great scarab brooch / pin in excellent condition. These pieces of jewellery with real scarab beetle shells were popular during the "Egyptian Revival" period, so this is probably from the 1920s or 1930s.
Condition: Excellent antique condition.
More details
- About 1.75 inches wide (4.5 cm).
- Sourced from an antique shop in Prague.
- Gold tone metal.
- Good, working clasp.
- Real scarab beetles.
Insect jewellery became hugely fashionable during the Victorian era.
“[t]he ornithological and entomological fevers, which broke out last spring, will continue with increased violence throughout the winter.”
Godey's Lady's Book and Magazine, 1863.
Flys, beetles and bees all featured, many of which incorporated gold, silver and precious and semi-precious stones. As the fashion for insect jewellery has re-emerged, these pieces are becoming very sought after.
This brooch is a great example of the "Egyptian Revival" craze in which scarab beetles (both real and artificial) were very popular in a range of jewelry.
