An Egyptian Amethyst Scaraboid, Middle Kingdom, ca. 2040 - 1783 BCE

A favorite among the pharaohs, amethyst was thought to protect the wearer from evil and misfortune. This beautiful example ranges in color from deep violet to pale lavender and is minimally carved into scarab form with an uninscribed base. The scarab is set in a vintage 18K gold swivel ring with wire bands around the shoulder.

Swivel rings usually hold seals that can be rotated in the right direction to impress clay used to seal an object, much like sealing wax.

The oldest known records of humans using amethyst can be found in ancient Egypt, where its use as a gemstone was found in the tomb of the 1st Dynasty pharaoh, Djer, dating to circa 3000 B.C.E. Beaded amethyst bracelets were discovered in the pharaoh's tomb, indicating that even during this early period in Egyptian history, amethyst gems were already in use and highly valued. Amethyst became widely popular in Egyptian culture during the Middle Kingdom with the discovery of the amethyst mines during the reign of Mentuhotep IV (circa 2000 B.C.E to circa 1900 B.C.E), the last pharaoh of the 11th Dynasty. A number of expeditions to Wadi el-Hudi occurred in the 12th Dynasty to gather amethyst, not only led by pharaohs but in some cases led by members of Egyptian aristocracy, and expeditions to the mine continued into the 13th Dynasty. Amethyst was mined extensively at Wadi el-Hudi and brought back to central Egypt for use in jewelry and other high-valued objects. Much of the amethyst brought back from these mines was sought after by members of royal households, and the cultural impact of these behaviors potentially helped solidify the association between amethyst and royalty. 

Medium: Amethyst, gold

Dimensions: Scarab length: 5/8 inch (1.6 cm). US ring size: 6 3/4 (UK: N 1/2, France: 54, Italy: 13 3/8)

Condition: The scarab is overall in very good condition, with one minor chip to the base that does not detract.

Provenance: Private California collection, acquired prior to 1983.