Egyptian Revival Winged Scarab Brooch

Egyptian Revival Winged Scarab BroochUtterly charming Egyptian Revival scarab brooch dating from the late 19th century. The faience scarab at the centre retains much of its original glossy turquoise glaze, flanked by cobras and lotus flower 'wings' with further lotus drops hanging beneath. Crafted in silver; likely German. Era: Victorian, circa 1900 Size: 2. 5cm by 3. 9cm Marks: Stamped 800 (silver) Condition: Good antique condition; wear consistent with age and use. Some minor enamel

so there's presumably a story behind it

watery-purple tanzanite gemstones in bezel settings surrounded by an openworked scalloped gallery

Crafted in 15 carat gold with a simple cut down setting

The ring is crafted in buttery 18ct gold and is 5

It's crafted in 9 carat gold with pretty pierced galleries to either side of the stones

The design and setting take inspiration from much older jewellery - medieval or even Roman - and its gorgeous

It dates from the late 18th century

The seven panels are each carved from a cowrie shell

there is a strong and ancient link to the divine feminine (mirrored by the sun representing the male principle) and the crescent is often placed with the two points upwards on the crown of the head - like 'horns'

and a t-bar

It was likely taken home as a souvenir from the Italian leg of some young English aristocrat's Grand Tour

and the importance of finding solace in simplicity