A superb quality 1930s Art Deco sterling silver pendant necklace showcasing a very large Egyptian faience (pottery) scarab amulet that has hieroglyphics inscribed in the reverse.
Stamped in period Egyptian silver hallmarks this is a substantial piece showing incredible workmanship. The scarab is a vivid turquoise blue and it is flanked by finely modelled busts of Queen Nefertiti in silver. The top of the pendant is equally as decorative featuring a heavy duty built in bale fashioned as a lotus flower.
The pendant suspends from a period sterling silver long belcher chain that has handmade links.
Egyptian faience is a type of vitrified glazed pottery which has been used to make scarab amulets for thousands of years. To the ancient Egyptians the scarab beetle was a symbol of rebirth and resurrection and scarab amulets were worn for good luck and protection.
A fabulous all original true period Art Deco statement necklace and very collectible. Pieces like these were created by local Egyptian silversmiths in response to the "Tutmania" craze that swept the world and brought tourists flocking to Egypt when Howard Carter discovered King Tutankhamun's tomb in 1923.
MATERIALS: sterling silver
MEASUREMENTS: pendant 2-1/4" (6cm) tall including the bale, 2" (5cm) wide. Scarab 1-3/8" (3.5cm) tall, 1" (2.5cm) wide and 14.5mm deep. Chain 28" (70cm)
WEIGHT: 32.9 grams
HALLMARKS: pendant stamped in Arabic character hallmarks, chain stamped 'sterling' on the clasp. We have acid tested and verified sterling silver throughout
DATE: Art Deco, circa 1930
CONDITION: in very, very good condition with expected light surface wear to the silver and no chips or cracks in the scarab, just the light crazing you would expect in old pottery. The silver chain does have a small repair that reconnect two of the links, please see photos.
At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. All of our pieces are professionally cleaned and polished so they are ready to wear or give as a gift.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Free worldwide tracked & insured shipping for all purchases.
* Returns - you can return your item for a full refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order and return it within 7 days.
* Discount - find special discount and no sales tax on our website at www.mercymadge.com
* All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. All measurements and carat weights given are approximations.
* Our photographs have been taken in extreme close up to show you every tiny detail. This often means that any flaws or damage which you can see on the photos will be invisible when viewed normally with the eye. This can also mean that the item can appear larger on the screen than it is in person, so please be sure to read our written description to double check all sizes and dimensions.
* Buying a gift? – your item will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Please note, unless otherwise stated antique boxes in our photos are for display only and are not included in the purchase.
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Materials: Sterling Silver, Egyptian Faience.