14kt Gold Flip Ring, Egyptian Revival w/ Carved Stone Scarab

An exciting find! This flip ring dates to c1925-30s, Egyptian Revival.  The motif was influenced by Carter's 1920s discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun. The face of the ring is a scarab.  Today, the scarab is called the Good Luck beetle.  However, ancient Egyptians held the beetle in higher esteem. They deified the scarab, calling it Ra ~ creator of the universe.  The scarab motif was used repeatedly throughout ancient Egyptian culture.  It was the guardian against illness and death, the symbol of resurrection.  The ring face is a large scarab bead of carved soapstone or similar. The carving is delicate, detailed and has been well-cared for.  Bezel set in 14kt gold. What we love especially about this ring is its flip setting.  The rounded scarab flips to reveal a flat side with incising.  Not the typical Egyptian hieroglyphs, the flat side shows scrolling.The shank of the ring is 14kt solid yellow gold and has shoulders that are unusual.  Each is wrapped in an almost 1/2" long coil of textured 14kt gold wire.  Shows very effectively.  

The flip ring is an intriguing style that some believe to be credited to the earliest Freemasons.  A secretive group by design, Masons hid their iconic symbols on the backs of their ring faces, and revealed them when desired, allowing strangers to recognize members of fellow groups.  There is another school of thought that royalty created the flip ring.  Throughout Europe since the medieval era, members of the royal houses used flip rings for secret communications during war time.  They were also used to prove (or to conceal) political affiliations, which could turn hazardous at a moment's notice.  Flip rings have maintained their popularity throughout the ages.   American size 8.5; UK size Q 1/2; Japan, India & China 17.  Your flip scarab ring will be delivered to you in a nice gift box.