Ancient Egyptian Scarab Swivel Ring
Remarkable ancient scarab bead mounted in a 19th century swivel mount. The stone is a bright, vibrant orange colour, carved in naturalistic likeness of the scarab beetle with a drill hole through the middle allowing it to be mounted - it dates from the New Kingdom, circa 1100 BC. The base remains uncarved. Set in a circa 1870 swivel mount allowing it to spin around the long axis, the design, as part of the Archaeological Revival style, is borrowed from example found during excavations in Luxor.
The scarab beetle, aka dung beetles, was a symbol of renewal and rebirth to the Ancient Egyptians - not at all the destructive entity as portrayed in modern Western cinema. The beetle was closely associated with the sun god, Ra, partly because of the balls of dung they roll across the desert (as the sun rolls across the sky each day), and partly because they laid their eggs in these balls - the hatching of their young perceived to be a spontaneous act of self creation, bringing them yet closer to the sun god.
Era: Scarab, New Kingdom circa 1100 BC. Ring mount, Victorian circa 1870
Ring size: 6 US or L 1/2 UK/AUS. Resizable for £35.
Head size: 15.8mm by 8.5mm
Scarab: 12.5mm by 8.5mm by 6.2mm
Stone: Carnelian agate bead
Marks: None, tested as 18ct gold
Condition: Good, with minimal signs of wear. There is a small chip to the top edge of the drill hole.
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
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
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Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 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
A 25% deposit will be 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, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are 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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alex@lostowl.jewelry