We have similar Egyptian and Deco items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Egyptian" or "Deco" under our Buy-It-Now items.
Item Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Markings: Unmarked, tested, and guaranteed
Main Stone: Faience bead
Length: 13.84 mm
Width: 9.01 mm
Color: opaque bright blue hue
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Accent Stone: Turquoise glass
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
Diameter: 5.76 mm
Color: opaque bright blue hue
Stone Treatment: Faience beads and turquoise glass are manufactured stones. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.
Stone Cuts: Polished faience bead, round cabochon turquoise glass
Item Measurements:
Total length: 4.20"
Clip measurements: 1.03" length, 0.95" width, 18.35 mm across opening
Charm measurements: 1.39" length, 1.13" width
Collectible Type: Key chain
Men's or Women's: Unisex
Notable Features:
Handmade during the Deco era in the style of the Egyptian Revival
Composed of .925 sterling silver
Features a charm adorned a faience bead, which would have been made thousands of years ago and unearthed during the Art Deco era before being made into jewelry
This bead contains an intaglio carving of a scarab beetle
The reverse side of the charm contains a bright blue turquoise glass stone
A length of curb chain connects the charm to the key ring, which opens via a hinge in order to place keys on the piece
Damage: Age appropriate wear. Tarnish to the sterling silver can be removed with a buffing. The price has been reduced to reflect this.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Art Deco era is famous for being the "Gatsby" or "Roaring Twenties" era. A lot of gorgeous and timeless designs in jewelry came out of this period. Jewelry from this period was most often crafted between 1920 and 1940. Art Deco jewelry sometimes featured white gold or platinum, geometric designs, European cut diamonds, filigree, and calibre cut stones that are specially cut to fit the design of the piece. During the Art Deco period jewelers often made jewelry upon custom order, this would usually take weeks to months to completely craft by hand.
There were two primary waves of popularity for Egyptian motifs and imagery. The first Egyptian Revival took place during the 1700s, inspired by Napoleon’s campaign in Northern Africa as he swept across the land he collected and sent back beautiful pieces of antique Egyptian jewelry. The influx of designs and styles caused a fad, and Egyptian inspired jewelry, clothes, and decorations took off. The second Egyptian revival was influenced by archaeological discoveries and advancements, specifically the rediscovery of King Tutankhamen's tomb in 1922. Egyptian revival common motifs include the Eye of Horus, which is meant to symbolize for healing and protection, scarabs and lotus flowers which express creation and life, and the Ankh symbol which indicates eternal life.
The scarab beetle was the earthly representation of the Egyptian god of creation and resurrection, Khepri. Khepri was believed to renew the sun every day, bringing life and light to the world each morning. The likeness of the revered insect was often carved into stone, precious metals and gemstones as talismans or amulets.
Egyptian faience is a glassy substance made of powdered quartz with a blue or green hue. The ancient Egyptians used this in most forms of jewelry, and it was the preferred method for creating scarabs in jewelry. It was also used in the production of common household wares and statuary. The texture of beads and pieces varied from a porous stone-like feel to a smooth, semi-glossy finish. Faience was made by grinding quartz or sand crystals together with various amounts of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and copper oxide, and while it sometimes resembles pottery or ceramic, it contains no clay.
Domestic US: All items ship within one business day of receiving payment. Buyers will have 3 base shipping options to choose from, depending on the needed speed of delivery. Pricing on single and multi-purchase transactions can be seen below:
Auction Items: Base shipping + $2.00 per additional gold item & BIN items combine for Base shipping
BIN Items: Base shipping
Base Shipping:
USPS First Class: $4.90 fully insured, estimated 3-5 business days
USPS Priority Mail: $12.00 fully insured, estimated 2-3 business days
International: All packages are sent via USPS and pricing is based on buyer location. Each customer will receive a revised invoice at the close of the auction with an updated shipping rate. We will combine shipping on multiple purchases for Base shipping. We do not undervalue packages for customs, please do not ask us to do so. What you pay is what we will claim on your customs form. Please take this into consideration before placing your bid.
