Joden Girl
Baubles, Bling, and A Collector’s Things
There’s no question, some of the pieces in our collection that inspire the most reactions are scarabs. Whether they’re genuine scarab beetles or stone carvings, our customers love them. Deeply rooted in mystique and symbolic allure, this ancient bug has captivated cultures and dynasties for hundreds of years. For centuries, craftsmen have integrated natural scarabs into jewels and countless others carved gemstones into this talisman.
Some artisans utilized steatite and pottery and then coated it with layers of glaze, usually in shades of blue and green… like this one. While the top of each scarab is carved to replicate the actual beetle, the back of each is often engraved with names, sacred animals, or religious symbols. The most common themes include rebirth, immortality, and resurrection. I am obsessed with the “flip” feature of this ring… the center rotates allowing the wearer to see the beauty in the front and back of the piece. This ring is most likely from the Egyptian Revival period, dating to the end of the 1800’s. It’s moderately priced at $500 and can be found in Joe’s Special Box.
Written by Carrie Martin
Photos by Dana Jerpe
