This exceptional and unusual antique Victorian necklace has been crafted in 22ct yellow gold.
The necklace bears an impressive feature quatrefoil shaped pendant, ornamented with four stunning collet set preserved scarab beetles*.
This feature drop is further embellished with domed spiralling rope twist decoration between each natural beetle, in addition to ball motifs paralleling the settings.
This antique pendant suspends via a ring loop to the apex of the frame from a yellow gold chain ornamented with six further collet set beetles, completing the design.
The ornamental chain secures to the reverse with a sheath style fastening.
This exceptional necklace has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 22 carat gold; this indicates the high quality of the piece.
NOTE: * Adorning oneself with real bug/beetle jewellery was popularised in the Victorian period. This brought an urbanising culture back to nature, whilst also honouring the Etruscan Revival; a time where jewellery was inspired by the discovery of ancient Etruscan tombs and artifacts.
Date: Circa 1840
