Antique Swivel Ring with Ancient Scarab

This antique gold ring is set with an Ancient Egyptian carved and glazed stone scarab. This particular carved stone scarab (probably steatite, also known as soapstone) is very similar in form to those in museum collections from the ‘Late Period ‘of the Pharaonic Empire (664-332 BC). The underside of the scarab is engraved with various hieroglyphs. Like most ancient scarab amulets, there is a hole running through the centre which would have allowed it be is worn as an amulet, pendant or ring. The scarab is mounted in a swivel gold mount of 18K gold, in keeping with the design of Ancient Egyptian amulet rings. The gold mount was made in France and dating to the 19th century. The exterior of the band is engraved with chiselled motifs and linear patterns.

Scarab amulets and beads have been collected for centuries and were particularly popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In ancient Egypt the scarab was a symbol of immortality, resurrection, transformation and protection.

UK ring size S, US size 9.25

The ring weighs 5.53 grams, the outer band is stamped with a French control mark for 18K gold. Scarab measures 15mm x 12mm x 8mm. The band measures 5mm across.