Victorian Scarab Beetle Ring
Time and time again we have looked back to Ancient Egypt to inspire fashion and the decorative arts. One such wave of Egyptian Revival broke over Europe in the 1880s, when this ring was made. And that wave coincided with another 19th century fascination: naturalism.
So we have a real bug - a scarab beetle - set into a gold ring that dates from the 1880s. A fusion, a synthesis, of two distinct movements: Egyptomania and naturalism. The scarab, with its green iridescent shell, actually comes from South America, not Egypt, but the Victorians weren't too bothered by such trifles. It looks the part; it plays the role (to the ancient Egyptians, that role was representation of the cycles of rebirth and regeneration, of the sun being rolled across the sky each day, relating to the god Khepri). It's mounted in a simple 9 carat gold ring with an open back so when you flip it over the legs and 'face' are visible.
Era: Victorian, circa 1880
Stone: Real beetle
Head: 15.7mm by 12.2mm
Ring size: J 1/2 or 5 US. Likely not resizable without damaging the bug.
Marks: Stamped 9ct
Condition: Great antique condition; light wear consistent with age.
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
UPS Express shipping is free of charge on international orders over £300 and it's carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
US Shipments
US Shipments
US Customs now charges a 10% tariff on all UK shipments as they cross the border. We will pay this customs charge on your behalf. Import duties remain 0% on antiques.
[Last updated: 28th February 2026]
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
25% deposit taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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More Questions?
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info@lostowl.com
An inscription can be added inside the band, where space allows. Add 3-6 weeks to shipping times Add a note in the cart* with your desired size and/or inscription
*the shopping cart, not checkout