Scarab Jewelry Facts

To the ancient Egyptians, the scarab beetle was symbolic of rebirth.

Throughout human history, people have taken pleasure in adorning both themselves and their loved ones with jewelry. While jewelry styles have evolved and changed over time, jewelry inspired by aspects of the natural world has always been fashionable. Common jewelry motifs include plants, flowers and trees, animals of all types, and insects. One insect that has played a particularly significant role in the world of jewelry is the scarab beetle.

Origins

Scarab jewelry originated in ancient Egypt. Scarab jewels were used by the ancient Egyptians as talismans and amulets. The ancient Egyptians often wore scarab jewelry against their hearts or over their belly buttons. The most common type of early scarab jewelry worn by ancient Egyptians was fashioned with glazed steatite, or soapstone.

Symbolism of the Scarab Beetle

Scarab beetles are dung beetles; they lay their eggs in balls of dung, which they bury. To the ancient Egyptians, the scarab symbolized rebirth and renewal, as well as existence, development, growth and manifestation. The sight of innumerable beetles emerging fully formed from the earth caused the ancient Egyptians to associate them with these concepts. In contemporary times, scarab beetles are still thought by many to symbolize such life-affirming ideas.

Types

Virtually any type of jewelry can feature the scarab motif, including earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches and even cuff links. Scarab jewelry in all its forms has remained popular since its introduction by the ancient Egyptians, and many modern-day jewelry designers and manufacturers continue to create and produce it.

Materials

In addition to the soapstone with which early scarab jewelry was fashioned, scarab jewelry has been made with a broad spectrum of materials. These include: iron, clay and wood; precious metals such as gold and silver; other metals, like bronze and pewter; other types of stones, including turquoise, lapis lazuli and carnelian; precious gemstones, such as sapphire, ruby and emerald; amber in shades of gold and green; plastic and resin; and even glass. Each material lends the scarab a distinctive color and texture.

Relevance

Throughout time, scarab jewelry has been well-known for its relevance to both history and fashion. An impressive scarab pectoral---a scarab worn over the heart---was obtained from the tomb of Tutankhamun, or King Tut, in Egypt in 1922. This discovery helped people understand more about the significance of scarab jewelry to the ancient Egyptians. During the early part of the 20th century, Tiffany and Co., one of the world's most renowned designers and makers of fine jewelry, produced scarab necklaces, cuff links, pendants, brooches and more. Tiffany's scarabs were made of iridescent glass, and connected the ancient symbol to modern ideas of what was fashionable and beautiful.

References

• "Ancient Egyptian Jewelry"; Carol Andrews, 1997
• "Egyptian Revival Jewelry and Design"; Dale Reeves Nicholls, 2007
• Encyclopedia Britannica Online: Scarab
• Scarab Jewelry
• Tiffany Scarabs: Louis Comfort Tiffany's Favrile Glass Scarabs