From Ancient Egyptian Tombs to Modern Red Carpets: The Enduring Magic of Scarab Jewelry
Walk a red carpet at the Oscars or flip through a high-fashion magazine, and you might spot a surprising detail: a celebrity wearing a piece of jewelry shaped like a small, winged beetle. It’s not a random trend—this is the scarab, a symbol that has journeyed from the depths of ancient Egyptian tombs to the glitz of modern luxury, carrying with it thousands of years of history, meaning, and magic. How did a humble insect become one of the most enduring motifs in jewelry design? The story of scarab jewelry is a testament to humanity’s love for symbols that bridge the past and present, the sacred and the stylish.
To understand the scarab’s power, we must first travel back to ancient Egypt, around 2686 BCE. For the Egyptians, the scarab beetle—known today as the dung beetle—was no ordinary insect. They watched in awe as the beetle rolled balls of dung across the sand, burying them to lay its eggs. To the Egyptians, this act mirrored the sun god Ra’s daily journey: rolling the sun across the sky each morning, burying it at night, and bringing it back to life at dawn. The scarab became a symbol of rebirth, renewal, and eternal life—concepts central to Egyptian religion and their belief in the afterlife.
Egyptian artisans began crafting scarab-shaped amulets, or “heart scarabs,” from materials ranging from faience (a glazed ceramic) and stone to gold and semi-precious gems like lapis lazuli and carnelian. These amulets weren’t just decorative; they were sacred objects with a purpose. Mummies were often buried with scarab amulets placed over their hearts, inscribed with spells from the Book of the Dead to protect the deceased in the afterlife. Living Egyptians wore scarab jewelry too: rings, necklaces, and bracelets adorned with the beetle to invoke its protective powers and bring good fortune. Even pharaohs and nobles commissioned elaborate scarab pieces—some inlaid with diamonds or engraved with royal names—as symbols of their connection to the gods and their own eternal legacy.
The scarab’s influence didn’t end with the fall of the Egyptian Empire. As civilizations like the Greeks and Romans encountered Egyptian culture, they adopted the scarab motif, reinterpreting it to fit their own beliefs. The Greeks associated the scarab with Apollo, the god of light, while the Romans used it as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. During the Renaissance, European artists and jewelers looked to ancient Egypt for inspiration, reviving the scarab in gold and enamel pieces worn by nobility. By the 19th century, the “Egyptomania” craze—sparked by the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922—brought the scarab back into the mainstream. Jewelers like Cartier and Boucheron created Art Deco-inspired scarab pieces, blending the ancient motif with geometric shapes and bold colors, making it a favorite of flappers and socialites.
Today, the scarab remains a beloved symbol in jewelry design—but its meaning has evolved to feel more personal and versatile. Modern jewelers reimagine the scarab in countless ways: sleek, minimalist designs in white gold for everyday wear; bold, colorful pieces set with sapphires and emeralds for special occasions; and even edgy, mixed-media creations that pair the beetle with leather or resin. The scarab no longer just represents rebirth or the gods—it’s a symbol of individuality, resilience, and a connection to history. For many wearers, a scarab necklace or ring is a way to carry a piece of the past with them, a reminder that some symbols are timeless.
Nowhere is this more evident than on the modern red carpet. Celebrities have embraced scarab jewelry as a way to stand out while paying homage to a rich cultural heritage. In 2023, actress Zendaya wore a custom Bulgari necklace featuring a large emerald-and-diamond scarab to the Cannes Film Festival, turning heads and sparking conversations about the motif’s history. Singer Billie Eilish opted for a subtle scarab ring by Tiffany & Co. at the Grammys, proving that the symbol can be both understated and impactful. Even royal families have kept the tradition alive: Queen Elizabeth II was often seen wearing a small gold scarab brooch, a gift from her grandmother, Queen Mary, which linked her to generations of royal history.
What makes the scarab’s journey so remarkable? It’s the way it has adapted to every era while retaining its core magic. In ancient Egypt, it was a sacred amulet; in the 1920s, a symbol of glamour; today, a statement of personal style. Unlike other trends that fade, the scarab endures because it speaks to something universal: our desire to connect with the past, to find meaning in symbols, and to wear pieces that tell a story. A scarab necklace isn’t just a piece of jewelry—it’s a conversation starter, a link between ancient pharaohs and modern stars, a reminder that beauty and meaning can transcend time.
As we look to the future, it’s clear the scarab’s magic isn’t going anywhere. Jewelers will continue to reimagine it, blending ancient tradition with contemporary design. Wearers will keep embracing it, finding their own meaning in its curves and colors. From the dusty tombs of ancient Egypt to the bright lights of the red carpet, the scarab has proven that some symbols are truly eternal. It’s a testament to the power of design to bridge cultures, eras, and beliefs—and a reminder that even the smallest insect can carry the weight of history, and the promise of something timeless.
