Joden Girl
Baubles, Bling and Discounted Things
Over one hundred years ago, in November of 1922, the steps to King Tutankhamun’s tomb were discovered while excavating another tomb. Those steps led to a fully intact, untouched treasure trove from 3000 years before. The tomb itself was made up of four separate rooms, each one carefully explored and documented. In February of the following year, the door to the fourth and final chamber was breeched. Inside lay an extravagant sarcophagus with three coffins nested one inside the other. The innermost coffin was made entirely of gold housed the mummified remains of King Tut himself. The riches inside the tomb were vast including weaponry, jewelry, golden shrines, statues… although, the pristine mummified body was by far the most valuable. Today, the collection resides in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo; at the time, it inspired an architectural and design style known as Egyptian Revival.
This brooch was part of that movement. Created in the earlier part of the period, this brooch showcases both the Art Nouveau aesthetic and the Egyptian Revival flare. Made from a solid 18-karat yellow gold frame, this brooch centers on a winged scarab. A symbol of transformation, rebirth and immortality, this scarab appears to have been carved from soapstone. Commonly used in the ancient Egyptian civilization, soapstone or steatite is often glazed with color as it is here. Etched into the back of the scarab is a hieroglyphic; it’s the symbol for the word kheper. This term refers to the scarab beetle itself and the concept of existence.
The wings were expertly carved from gold, each one complete with a hammered texture with ribbed lines. A beautiful patina has settled into the crevices between the feathers of the wings that only serves to enhance their appearance. Wrapping three-quarters of the way around the scarab are a pair of serpents. Mirrored cobras, these snakes have coiled their tails together – this symbolized the union of the two lands of Egypt and the pharaoh’s rule over a unified kingdom. The length of each snake has been painstakingly chiseled with intersecting lines that form the scales. This exceptional example is filled with ancient symbolism and antique appeal. It’s been part of our collection for so long, I cannot remember where we acquired it. Though its primary purpose is to be worn as a brooch, it does have a small pair of golden loops on the back where a chain could be attached, making an outstanding statement necklace.
Perhaps you’ve caught the Egyptomania bug or maybe you’re a lover of the deep symbolism represented in Egyptian Revival jewelry… no matter the case, this piece is meant for you! Previously available for $5,750.00, we are now offering it at the drastically reduced price of $3,850.00! Take advantage of this deep discount today.
“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”
Written by Carrie Martin
Photos by Dana Jerpe
