Egyptian Revival Style Faience Pendant Necklace

During the 19th century, the discoveries of ancient archaeological finds influenced what is referred to as "archaeological revival jewelry," or "Egyptian revival jewelry." The initial Egyptian Revival period flourished from the 1820s onward, and was inspired by ancient Egyptian imagery, such as the scarab beetle, sphinxes, pharaohs, and hieroglyphics. An incredible and unusual pharaoh pendant necklace from the Victorian Egyptian Revival (ca1880) era! Crafted in 14kt yellow gold, this large, oval-shaped pendant adorns a stunning enameled pharaoh bust...

Antique Egyptian Revival Necklace, Circa 1866. A highly unusual Masonic tour necklace with imagery evoking the cult of Isis, comprised of swag chain...

During the early 19th century, the discoveries of ancient archaeological finds influenced and introduced what is referred to as "Egyptian Revival Jewelry." The first Egyptian Revival period began around the 1820’s, inspired by the unearthing of ancient Egyptian ruins during that time. Images such as the scarab beetle, sphinxes, pharaohs, and hieroglyphics became popular motifs in fashion. Pieces were often crafted using a material known as Egyptian Paste or "faience", which is the oldest form of non-clay glazed ceramic and usually found in a range of blue and green colors.  In the 1920’s, there was another unearthing of treasures, making the trend popular once again. This scarab pendant is from that era—the third Egyptian Revival period. The scarab is a turqoise colored faience bead with brown and beige overtones in its recesses that delineate the shape of the beetle. There are hieroglyphics on the back of the scarab. At the bottom of the scarab is a round 14k gold ball that extends as a wire through the bead and forms a bale at the top. The pendant measures 15/16“ from the bottom of the ball to the top of the bail. The scarab measures 1/2” x 3/8”. The bale measures 5 mm. The piece weighs 1.63 grams. The gold in unmarked and acid tests as 14k. The scarab is in excellent condition for its age and is ready to hang on a chain of your choice. We have other sizes and colors of scarab jewelry...

An Ancient Egyptian funerary figurine made of faience in a modern gold pendant mounting.