At Nelson and Nelson, we always offer a beautiful selection of antique and signed jewelry. One of the more interesting and historical design elements in our collection is the scarab.
This exquisite 18 karat gold Roman Revival style brooch (circa 1880) is based on the designs of the renowned Castellani firm and features a gold pendant-style drop that secures a carved scarab stone. The box-formed base with circular forms on each end are embellished with frogs and the center of the pin is surmounted with a three-dimensional owl with spread wings and has the motto “SALVE” spelled out in wirework. For more information, click here.
The scarab motif has been a popular component of jewelry and other human adornment for thousands of years. It originated in ancient Egypt, where representations of the Scarabaeus sacer, or dung beetle, represented the celestial cycle of transformation and rebirth. Scarabs carved of ivory, semi-precious and precious stones and gold were used not only as grave goods, but also as powerful amulets that were believed to ward off evil and bring the bearer good luck. As such, they were--and still are--important gifts for those close to us. If you are looking for a unique and meaningful piece of antique jewelry, consider one of the beautiful scarab adornments we have on offer.
This unique antique American pendant in English Etruscan Revival design (circa 1870) has a figural carved garnet scarab with 15K gold legs, diamond eyes and an encrusted rose-cut diamond set on an oval, faceted rock crystal pedestal. For more information, click here.
This beautiful antique faience scarab (circa 1860) features cushion-shaped emerald and ruby wings and old European-cut diamond accents on a silver-topped gold mount. For more information, click here.
This fantastic Victorian brooch in the form of a winged scarab carved from a turquoise and grey-colored stone is set in 14K gold. The scarab is centered in a detailed and elegant gold setting forming feathered wings and flanked on each side with two cobras in profile. For more information, click here.
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