beetle mania

 The Scarab lays eggs in a pellet of dung and roll them along. The ancient Egyptians regarded this action as an image of the sun and its course through the heavens, rolled by a gigantic beetle. Thus scarabs are associated with the Egyptian god Khepri who pushed the sun across the sky. The scarab beetle became the ancient Egyptian symbol for rebirth as the sun crosses the sky to disappear and rise again the next day.

Egyptian winged scarab in gold, carnelian, turquoise and lapis

Scarabs were worn as amulets. They were buried with the dead to ensure the rebirth in the after life. They were placed over the heart of the deceased to keep it from confessing sins during its interrogation in the Weighing of the Heart ceremony.

Egyptian cuff bracelet in gold, turquoise and lapis

Victorian gold scarab beetle necklace at Heirloom Jewelry

Victorian gold and beetle earrings

Victorians were great collectors and adored history and its spoils. The often revitalized ancient jewelry styles. In 1867 the Suez Canal was opened and the Egyptian Revival was launched. 

Emerald Beetle pin at Fossil Cartel

rhino beetle charm by Marty Magic

artist Paulo Guimaraes 1999 anodized aluminum and silver necklace inspired by beetles