Ancient Mediterranean, central Italy, Etruria, ca. 5th century BCE. A stunning chalcedony scarab from ancient Etruria set in a modern 18+ karat gold swivel ring to be wearable. The translucent, light gray stone features the convex form of a scarab on one side with minimalist features, such as a lunate head, merged wings, petite notches denoting the thorax, and delineated legs, while the flattened verso is incised with a stylized, anthropomorphic figure encircled by a twisted rope motif border. The figure is shown striding right with legs bent and slender arms flanking a circular torso or shield as he places one hand on his knee and the other near his posterior. His annular head seems to be crowned by a crested helmet with either a pointed brim or nose jutting out to the right. Size of ring (exterior): 1.1" L x 1" W (2.8 cm x 2.5 cm); of ring (interior): 0.8" L x 0.75" W (2 cm x 1.9 cm); of scarab: 0.6" L x 0.4" W (1.5 cm x 1 cm); US ring size: 8; gold quality: 76% (equivalent to over 18 karats); weight: 7.3 grams

The modern gold swivel ring allows the scarab to be worn with either side facing outwards. Drilled lengthwise through the body for suspension, this is a fantastic example of ancient Etruscan artistry combined with modern aesthetic!

Scarabs were introduced to Etruria in the later 500s B.C., first through Greek imports and then through emigrant Greek artists. In this period many Ionian artists, including gem carvers, fled Persian aggression in their homeland. Some went to Etruria, which was a stable and wealthy region. In Etruria the jewelry aspect of the scarab was emphasized: note how here the beetle sits atop a plinth. The scarab form remained popular into the late 400s and 300s B.C. in Etruria, long after it had gone out of style in Greece.

Provenance: private Danvers, Massachusetts, USA collection, acquired by descent; ex-USA collection, acquired before 2000; ex-Bernheimer’s Antique Arts, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, prior to 1992

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#179213

Ancient ring set in modern gold swivel ring to be wearable. A few minor nicks to body of scarab, but form is still clear and incised imagery is unaffected. Natural inclusions and striations to stone. Otherwise, both ring and scarab are intact and in overall excellent condition with nice preservation of detail on scarab. Accompanied by jewelry box from Bernheimer's Antique Arts.