Iridescent insects were imported en masse from South America in the 1880s to satisfy England's obsession with an ancient Egyptian motif: the scarab beetle. Real scarab beetles (aka "dung beetles) look nothing like these shiny green guys, but no big deal to the Victorians. Authenticity wasn't top of mind; vibes were. These insects are perfectly preserved in their 150 year old gold settings.
MATERIALS: three beetle brooch: 10k gold (tests), beetles, steel pin; single beetle: 10k gold (tests), beetle
AGE: c. 1880
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: three beetle: 2" x 3/4", single beetle: 1 3/8" x 1/2"