Share your favorites on Show & Tell

Scarab Beetle Pendant

In Fine Jewelry > Pendants > Show & Tell and Costume Jewelry > Egyptian Revival Jewelry > Show & Tell.
B: Fantasy jewelry box101 of 189Vintage Frog Pond Bracelet14k Gold, Emeralds, Pearls, & Garnets - 19th Century Chinese Gambling Token
26
Love it
1
Like it

MALKEYMALKEY loves this.
auraaura loves this.
RichmondLoriRichmondLori loves this.
Vynil33rpmVynil33rpm loves this.
MasterMaster loves this.
BugguyBugguy likes this.
ElisabethanElisabethan loves this.
kyratangokyratango loves this.
VintagefranVintagefran loves this.
aghcollectaghcollect loves this.
upstatenycollectorupstatenycollector loves this.
rlwindlerlwindle loves this.
Moonstonelover21Moonstonelover21 loves this.
smiatasmiata loves this.
trunkmantrunkman loves this.
ttomtuckerttomtucker loves this.
epson233epson233 loves this.
realthingsrealthings loves this.
FreshFixFreshFix loves this.
simon80simon80 loves this.
lisalisa loves this.
gearpunkgearpunk loves this.
toolate2toolate2 loves this.
miKKoChristmas11miKKoChristmas11 loves this.
vintagemadvintagemad loves this.
purpledogpurpledog loves this.
jojomangjojomang loves this.
See 25 more
Add to collection

    Please create an account, or Log in here

    If you don't have an account, create one here.


    Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate


    Posted 12 years ago

    Hunter
    (49 items)

    I found this scarab pendant in a huge collection of jewelry that once belonged to a well-traveled art teacher in Cat Spring, Texas. The scarab has its wings outstretched and holds a small round stone between its two arms. It's about 1.5 " long. I am fairly sure it's silver, though there is no numbered marking, but have no idea what the blue stone might be.

    The scarab was often used as a type of amulet or talisman in Egyptian iconography, important for symbolizing Khepri, a sun god who was associated with resurrection and new life. I think scarabs were important for various funeral rites, possibly making this a kind of pre-Victorian mourning symbol...though I doubt this actual pendant is that old.

    On the back, inset into the beetle's body there is what appears to be a hieroglyphic marking (partially obscured by a metal loop for the chain). From what I can make out, it is a scarab symbol on the left side, topped by a round dot, with a second oval shape with a jig-saw/toothed edge on the right. Above and below there are half-moon shapes.

    I've heard that each hieroglyphic symbol represents a sound (like letters), so groupings form words - this would seem to be a word to me then. It reminds me of the purple grouping on the bottom left seen here: http://www.kendalluk.com/sacredinsect.htm

    as well as this image taken from another tomb (though the arrangement is slightly different): http://www.flickr.com/photos/ruthanddave/264056202/sizes/m/in/photostream/

    and this too: http://www.worldwidestore.com/22836c.htm

    Does anyone have an idea what word it might be?!

    Unsolved Mystery

    Help us close this case. Add your knowledge below.

    logo
    Pendants
    See all
    Natural Ammonite Fossil Gemstone Pendant Vintage 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry
    Natural Ammonite Fossil Gemstone Pe...
    $15
    Antique 1937 USA Buffalo Nickel COIN Pendant on a 28
    Antique 1937 USA Buffalo Nickel COI...
    $79
    Natural Moldavite Gemstone Pendant Vintage 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry For Women
    Natural Moldavite Gemstone Pendant ...
    $25
     Antique Real French Parisian Maiden Coin Pendant on a 30
    Antique Real French Parisian Maide...
    $71
    logo
    Natural Ammonite Fossil Gemstone Pendant Vintage 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry
    Natural Ammonite Fossil Gemstone Pe...
    $15
    See all

    Comments

    1. Hunter Hunter, 12 years ago
      Hi Tony,
      Thanks for the comment - I think you might be right (after a quick google image search)...the color/mottling definitely matches.
      Hunter
    2. Hunter Hunter, 12 years ago
      thanks scandi ;)
    3. Hunter Hunter, 12 years ago
      thanks jojo!
    4. Stillwater Stillwater, 12 years ago
      Deffinitely sterling. Don't worry that its unmarked. The blue stone is lapis, its very common in Egyptian Revival jewelry because King Tut's death mask is inlaid with it.
    5. Hunter Hunter, 12 years ago
      thank you for the info stillwater! very helpful :)
    6. miKKoChristmas11 miKKoChristmas11, 12 years ago
      Wow, what a wonderful brooch!
    7. Hunter Hunter, 12 years ago
      thanks Bellin, miKKo, and purpledog!
    8. joanna joanna, 12 years ago
      testing testing testing
    9. Hunter Hunter, 12 years ago
      Thanks for the great info Kevin - that makes a lot of sense. Particularly regarding the texturing of the back, I can totally see how the marks would have been made by wax.

      What kinds of items have you made using this technique? I have no metalworking skills (as of yet) but would love to learn at some point.
    10. Hunter Hunter, 12 years ago
      So interesting; I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for one of those kits. Sounds like fun :)

      Do post the Texas nugget ring if you run across it!
    11. Tarrah, 8 days ago
      I have the exact same pendant! I’ve always wondered about it and this is the only time I’ve ever gotten close. I got mine in an antique store in Sebastopol CA

    Want to post a comment?

    Create an account or login in order to post a comment.