Victorian 18K Gold Scarab Beetle Bracelet

In the late 1700s, Napoleon’s military campaign in Northern Africa inspired a trend for exotic pieces with Egyptian motifs. The Victorians adored both the ancient opulence and rich, mysterious symbolism behind Egyptian-inspired jewelry. Scarabs represent rebirth, resurrection, and the eternal soul, a perfect match for the Victorian attitude towards life, death, and all in between. This bracelet circa 1875 is crafted with 10 genuine tortoise beetles set in 18K gold-- not for the faint of heart! Tortoise beetles were the Victorians' species of choice to stand in for genuine scarabs, the dung beetles that the Ancient Egyptians admired. The beetles have an enchanting iridescence to their outer shells, glinting with greens from chartreuse to teal depending upon the light. Each beetle is prong set into a handwrought frame that was custom made to fit each unique creature. The back of the bracelet is solid, an elegant design detail that spares the wearer contact with the beetles' undercarria