Egyptian-revival jeweled corsage ornament, circa 1900

Composed of Egyptian glazed steatite and faience scarabs, amulets and beads, New Kingdom, 1554-1080 B.C., arranged in swags and fringes, further strung with pearls, the central scarab depicting the god Bes on obverse and reverse, the balance engraved on the back with hieroglyphs, three scarabs flanked by wings of turquoise and royal blue guilloché enamel, further decorated with fancy-shaped links and a lotus blossom similarly enameled, accented throughout with rose-cut diamonds, mounted in gold and platinum. Estimate 6,000—8,000 USD

Sotheby's. Important Jewels. 04 Feb 09. New York www.sothebys.com photo courtesy Sotheby's