By the late 1800s, archaeological finds - sarcophagi, mummies, hieroglyphics - were making news all over Europe, and Egyptian design motifs made their way into Western art, fashion, and architecture. This bracelet was inspired by the many, MANY ancient Egyptian carved scarab beetles that symbolized rebirth. But they would have been unrecognizable to ancient Egyptians. These gorgeously green iridescent bugs were imported from South America. (Have you ever seen a real scarab beetle? Not as pretty.) How did the jewelers preserve them? Their bellies are visible, undecayed, perfect. I don't know, and I don't particularly want to.
MATERIALS: base metal, beetles
AGE: c. 1880
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 6 1/2" length, 3/8" width, 2" safety chain