A small Victorian fob crafted from two genuine scarab beetles joined together with their iridescent shells facing outwards to make an orb-shape. The scarabs are set in brass and the fob is finished with a brass spring ring, allowing it to be worn as a charm or pendant.
Curator’s note
Scarab beetles were incredibly popular among the Victorian gentry. There was a fascination with all things Egypt (where the scarab has long-been revered as a symbol of renewal and transformation) as explorers began investigating long-forgotten tombs. Then there was the Victorian obsession with natural history and reconnecting with nature. We may see this obsession (think taxidermy and ferns under glass domes) as slightly macabre, but let’s face it - this is what we love about Victoriana - the era’s fashions were dark, mad and completely fascinating.
Details
Date: Mid-Victorian Circa 1870
Hallmarks - no hallmarks or makers marks
Weight and size: 1.61 grams, 2.6cm by 1.5cm
Condition: The scarabs are bezel and prong set in the brass setting, which would have once been gilded - but the gilding has since worn away. The fittings and scarabs themselves are in very good condition.
A small Victorian fob crafted from two genuine scarab beetles joined together with their iridescent shells facing outwards to make an orb-shape. The scarabs are set in brass and the fob is finished with a brass spring ring, allowing it to be worn as a charm or pendant.
Curator’s note
Scarab beetles were incredibly popular among the Victorian gentry. There was a fascination with all things Egypt (where the scarab has long-been revered as a symbol of renewal and transformation) as explorers began investigating long-forgotten tombs. Then there was the Victorian obsession with natural history and reconnecting with nature. We may see this obsession (think taxidermy and ferns under glass domes) as slightly macabre, but let’s face it - this is what we love about Victoriana - the era’s fashions were dark, mad and completely fascinating.
Details
Date: Mid-Victorian Circa 1870
Hallmarks - no hallmarks or makers marks
Weight and size: 1.61 grams, 2.6cm by 1.5cm
Condition: The scarabs are bezel and prong set in the brass setting, which would have once been gilded - but the gilding has since worn away. The fittings and scarabs themselves are in very good condition.
