A gold and black enamel scarab beetle/Ra-Khepri brooch

A gold and black enamel scarab beetle/Ra-Khepri brooch

Description

A gold and black enamel scarab beetle/Ra-Khepri brooch, the gold body of the beetle embellished with black enamel legs and eyes, the mandibles holding a matte gold disc, mounted to a brooch fitting, hallmarked 18ct gold, London, 2021, with Bentley & Skinner sponsor marks, measuring approximately 3.5 x 1.5cm, gross weight 9.8 grams.

A modern take on a truly classical motif. The scarab beetle is arguably one of the most highly depicted insects in jewellery. From illustrations in Ancient Egypt, to the Archaeological Revival period in the 19th Century, the scarab beetle has enjoyed a vogue that has lasted for thousands of years. The scarab beetle symbolizes rebirth and renewal, due to its habit of rolling balls of manure; the cyclical turning representative of the continuous cycle of life. The disc perched between the mandibles represents the god Ra, God of the Sun and giver of life. The combined image of the scarab beetle and the disc of Ra is sometimes viewed as a manifestation of the god himself, known as Ra-Khepri, with the belief that the sun rises and sets due to being rolled by the deity in scarab form. Crafted from a rich 18 carat yellow gold, the black enamel details contract beautifully to create a naturalistic effect. To be pinned against a lapel or for a modern twist, against a simple roll-neck jumper, to create an eye-catching effect.