The Western world became fascinated with ancient Egyptian culture during Napoleon's Egyptian campaign, 1798-1801. By the late 1800's, archaeological finds - sarcophagi, mummies, hieroglyphics - were making news all over Europe, and Egyptian design motifs made their way into Western art, fashion, and architecture. Ancient faience scarab beads were unearthed en masse from tombs, and some of these pieces were then set into contemporary gold mountings and sold to Egyptophiles the world over. The demand for these talismanic beads outstripped the supply and new scarab beads were sometimes carved in the style of the antiquities to satisfy the masses. This ring dates to around 1870 - the scarab looks to be carved in the 19th century. An Etruscan/Archaeological Revival style mounting puts it over the top.
MATERIALS: 14k gold (tests), faience
AGE: c. 1870
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 5.25, can be slightly resized; 15mm head, 1.8mm shank