14K Gold Egyptian Revival Scarab Faience Pendant with Decorative Border

This beautiful Egyptian Revival pendant features a faience scarab beetle held in a 14k gold decorative Etruscan Revival mount. Because of the texture and craquelore seen on the faience scarab (especially on the back of the piece, where symbols resembling hieroglyphics can be found), we date the scarab itself to Ancient Egypt. The decorative mount—which is Etruscan Revival in style—was added circa the 1920’s, and adds a beautiful element to the pendant. The mount consists of twisted wire latticework that wraps around the scarab to create a fancy border. “Faience", also known as Egyptian Paste, is the oldest form of non-clay glazed ceramic, and is often found in a range of blue, green, and brown colors. 

During the early 19th century, the discoveries of ancient archaeological finds influenced and introduced what is referred to as "Egyptian Revival Jewelry." The first Egyptian Revival period began around the 1800’s, inspired by the unearthing of ancient Egyptian ruins during that time. Images such as the scarab beetle, sphinxes, pharaohs, and hieroglyphics became popular motifs in fashion. In the 1890’s, there was another unearthing of treasures in the Suez Canal, making the trend popular once again. The Egyptian Revival style flourished again in the 1920's and coincided with the discovery of King Tutankhamen's tomb. 

The pendant measures 7/8” x 5/8”, plus an additional 5.5 x 3 mm bail, which could easily be swapped out for a larger bail. The pendant weighs 4.9 grams. Unmarked, but acid tests as 14k gold.