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A striking and highly unusual Art Deco French swivelling scarab ring, dating to the 1920s at the height of the Egyptomania movement. Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold with white gold wire wrapped shoulders, the ring centres on a sculptural gold scarab, set with calibre cut sapphires. The scarab swivels within its mount and, remarkably, opens to reveal a hidden compartment beneath. The reverse is engraved with the monogram “MV”, replacing traditional hieroglyphics seen on the underside of ancient Egyptian swivel scarab examples, with a more contemporary personal monogram equivalent.Following the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the Western world became enthralled with ancient Egypt. Egyptian motifs flooded architecture, design, advertising and, most importantly, jewellery. The leading Parisian jewellery houses fully embraced the aesthetic; bold geometry, strong colour contrasts and interpretations of ancient Egyptian forms defined the era. This ring sits firmly within that tradition; an archaeological inspiration translated through the sharp lines and precision of French Art Deco craftsmanship.Ancient Egyptian scarab rings were worn as swivelling seals, typically carved from hardstone and engraved with hieroglyphics on the underside. This example honours that historical form while transforming it into something distinctly 1920s; refined, architectural and mechanically intriguing. The concealed compartment adds another layer of fascination to an already remarkable jewel.Unmarked, but clearly the work of a skilled French atelier of the period; it tests as 18K yellow gold with white gold to the shoulders. The ring weighs 9.62g and is a US size 5.75; UK size L. The scarab measures approximately 16 x 12 x 8mm. Overall condition is excellent; the mechanism functions as intended, and the sapphires present well, retaining the strong graphic effect that makes these Egyptomania jewels so compelling.A superb and wearable example of French Art Deco design; sculptural, historic and endlessly compelling.
A striking and highly unusual Art Deco French swivelling scarab ring, dating to the 1920s at the height of the Egyptomania movement. Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold with white gold wire wrapped shoulders, the ring centres on a sculptural gold scarab, set with calibre cut sapphires. The scarab swivels within its mount and, remarkably, opens to reveal a hidden compartment beneath. The reverse is engraved with the monogram “MV”, replacing traditional hieroglyphics seen on the underside of ancient Egyptian swivel scarab examples, with a more contemporary personal monogram equivalent.
Following the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, the Western world became enthralled with ancient Egypt. Egyptian motifs flooded architecture, design, advertising and, most importantly, jewellery. The leading Parisian jewellery houses fully embraced the aesthetic; bold geometry, strong colour contrasts and interpretations of ancient Egyptian forms defined the era. This ring sits firmly within that tradition; an archaeological inspiration translated through the sharp lines and precision of French Art Deco craftsmanship.
Ancient Egyptian scarab rings were worn as swivelling seals, typically carved from hardstone and engraved with hieroglyphics on the underside. This example honours that historical form while transforming it into something distinctly 1920s; refined, architectural and mechanically intriguing. The concealed compartment adds another layer of fascination to an already remarkable jewel.
Unmarked, but clearly the work of a skilled French atelier of the period; it tests as 18K yellow gold with white gold to the shoulders. The ring weighs 9.62g and is a US size 5.75; UK size L. The scarab measures approximately 16 x 12 x 8mm. Overall condition is excellent; the mechanism functions as intended, and the sapphires present well, retaining the strong graphic effect that makes these Egyptomania jewels so compelling.
A superb and wearable example of French Art Deco design; sculptural, historic and endlessly compelling.
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