Jewel Bug : Victorian or Edwardian Era “Scarab” Beetle Pendant on an Antique Chain by Aronson and Co.

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An iridescent tortoise beetle is the jewel in this antique pendant. Dating from 1870 – 1910, this little beetle was a fashion forward choice for jewellery throughout the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. It satisfied both the Victorian fetish for the natural world, and the Edwardian infatuation with Egyptology – tortoise beetles were often used in place of scarabs in Egyptian Revival jewellery.

I fell down quite a rabbit hole in trying to determine the date of this piece. In the chapter ‘The Cult of Novelty’ in the excellent tome Jewellery in the Age of Queen Victoria the authors describe how the tortoise beetle, whose native home is in the forests of Brazil, was introduced to Europe in the 1870s as an exotic ornament and incorporated into jewellery.

Manufacture:
A simple 9ct gold mount has been handmade to perfectly fit the outline of this tortoise beetle, held together with discreet little prongs. The bail forms part of the frame.

The pendant measures 18.6mm long (including the loop) and 11.35mm wide, 7mm deep. It is unmarked but XRF tests as 9ct gold. The chain and pendant together weigh 3.8 grams

The beetle pendant is currently hanging from an Antique Australian trace link chain with early hallmarks for Aronson of Melbourne, which is just how I found them. Whether they have always been worn together or not I can’t say, however the pendant doesn’t come off the chain without a visit to the jeweller (although I can separate them if you desire) which suggests that they have been constant companions.

The chain measures 43cm and although it is hallmarked for 9ct gold it XRF tests as 12ct.

Condition:
Absolutely excellent in every respect. The beetle carapace is perfectly preserved despite its age of over 100 years. It is bright and saturated in colour with a lovely golden shimmer. There are no signs of repair or damage to the pendant or chain.
Ready for immediate and everyday wear, but please do take care to wear the beetle with care and avoid getting it wet. It is an old little fellow.

Description

An iridescent tortoise beetle is the jewel in this antique pendant.

A simple 9ct gold mount has been handmade to perfectly fit the outline of this tortoise beetle, held together with discreet little prongs. The bail forms part of the frame. The beetle carapace is perfectly preserved despite its age of over 100 years. It is bright and saturated in colour with a lovely golden shimmer.

The pendant measures 18.6mm long (including the loop) and 11.35mm wide, 7mm deep. It is unmarked but XRF tests as 9ct gold. The chain and pendant together weigh 3.8 grams

The antique trace link chain measures 43cm and although it is hallmarked for 9ct gold it XRF tests as 12ct.