Egyptian Revival Vulture Necklace
The vulture was sacred to the Ancient Egyptians long before the first Pharaohs reigned. They associated the birds with purity and motherhood, believing all vultures to be female with the ability to reproduce without the intervention of males (parthenogenesis), and also with the eternal cycle of death and rebirth on account of their ability to transform scavenged carrion ("death") into not just life. And not just any old life, the Egyptians were fascinated by the incomparable elegance of their flight.
Nekhbet was an early predynastic patron of the city Nekheb, later becoming the patron of the Upper Egypt and ultimately, alongside Wadjet, the whole of Ancient Egypt after unification under Menes (around 3150 BC). Immortalised in a number of hieroglyphs, and protected by Pharaonic law, vultures were a common sight on Egyptian streets, resulting in their nickname "Pharaoh's Chicken".
This antique necklace was made during the 19th century Egyptian Revival, circa 1880, featuring colourful cloisonné enamelling over sterling silver. The colours mimic Ancient Egyptian artefacts, which were often inlayed with turquoise, carnelian, and lapis lazuli, and the pendant was made at a time when European high society was gripped by an "Egyptomania" - fascinated by all things Egyptian. We've added a silver curb-link chain for wear as a necklace.
Era: Victorian, circa 1880
Pendant: 5.1cm by 1.8cm
Wearable Length: 20 inches (we can have it shortened if prefered)
Marks: None, tested as sterling silver
Condition: Great antique condition, converted from a brooch. One leg appears to have been re-attached at some point
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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
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Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
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Resizing
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Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
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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