42 - A GEM-SET AND DIAMOND EGYPTIAN REVIVAL PENDANT ON CHAIN, CIRCA 1905 The carved sapphire scarab within a border of old brilliant and single-cut diamond scrolls, framed by sinuous demantoid garnet serpentine motifs, surmounted by a circular-cut ruby and diamond palmette between chased gold lotus flowers, each set with an old brilliant-cut diamond, the heart-shaped gold frame accented with old brilliant-cut diamond collets, suspending a pearl drop, to a diamond-set bail, mounted in 18K gold and platinum, suspended from a later fine trace-link chain in 18K gold, pendant length (including bale): 5.2cm, chain length 43cm

A GEM-SET AND DIAMOND EGYPTIAN REVIVAL PENDANT ON CHAIN, CIRCA 1905 The carved sapphire scarab within a border of old brilliant and single-cut diamond scrolls, framed by sinuous demantoid garnet serpentine motifs, surmounted by a circular-cut ruby and diamond palmette between chased gold lotus flowers, each set with an old brilliant-cut diamond, the heart-shaped gold frame accented with old brilliant-cut diamond collets, suspending a pearl drop, to a diamond-set bail, mounted in 18K gold and platinum, suspended from a later fine trace-link chain in 18K gold, pendant length (including bale): 5.2cm, chain length 43cm Condition Report: Sapphire: of blue hue, medium to medium-dark tone, translucent Diamonds: bright and lively Demantoid garnets: of deep yellowish-green hue, medium tone, good transparency, overall well-matched in colour Ruby: Of deep red hue, medium tone, good transparency (typical pigeon blood red colour) Pearl: measuring 5.7mm, of white bodycolour, with silver overtone, good lustre Chain: stamped 750 for 18K gold Pendant: White metal unmarked, tested by the jewellery department to be platinum Yellow metal unmarked, tested by the jewellery department to be approx. 18K gold Clasp closes securely Normal signs of wear, overall in good condition Total gross weight approx. 10.8g Adam’s Auctioneers does not guarantee the standard of gold or platinum unless an item bears an official hallmark. In certain instances, metal content may be tested using a Thermo Scientific Nitron Handheld XRF Analyser. This device examines metal to a depth of approximately 8 microns only, and any results obtained through electronic testing must be regarded as indicative rather than definitive, as inaccuracies may occur. Where catalogue descriptions or condition reports refer to marks denoting metal fineness, or include an opinion as to metal content, such information is provided for guidance only. All statements contained within the catalogue represent expressions of opinion. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves as to all such matters prior to bidding. The nineteenth century taste for Egyptian Revival jewellery grew out of a wider European fascination with ancient Egypt. Napoleon’s campaign of 1798 had stirred public interest, which gathered pace in the 1820s when Champollion deciphered hieroglyphs with the aid of the Rosetta Stone. The ancient script made headlines and soon found its way into the decorative arts. By the second quarter of the century, Egyptian motifs were appearing as ornaments on jewellery. Excavations in the 1850s brought ancient Egyptian jewels to light, giving jewellers models to study and reproduce. After touring Egypt in 1862, the Prince of Wales commissioned jeweller Robert Phillips to make a suite of scarab jewellery for Princess Alexandra of Denmark. Phillips subsequently offered versions of the royal design to a wider clientele. The opening of the Suez Canal by Empress Eugénie in November 1869 renewed international interest in Egypt and gave the style fresh impetus. By the turn of the twentieth century, jewellers could draw on a repertoire of ancient forms, colours and symbols. Gold had been associated with the skin of the gods, silver with their bones and the deep blue of lapis lazuli with their hair. The scarab, one of the most recognisable motifs, owed its meaning to the beetle’s habit of rolling a ball across the ground. To the ancient Egyptians, its movement recalled the passage of the rising sun, making