Scarab Beads in Jewelry: Ancient Egyptian Amulets of Protection
12 Sep 2025
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The scarab beetle is one of the most iconic symbols of ancient Egypt, representing rebirth, protection, and the eternal cycle of the sun. From the earliest dynasties, scarabs were crafted not only as amulets and seals but also as decorative beads woven into jewelry, making them both spiritual objects and fashionable adornments.
Scarabs were carved from materials such as steatite, faience, and stone, and glazed in brilliant colors varying from turquoise to deep green. These beads were drilled and strung together to create necklaces, bracelets, and pectorals worn by both men and women. More than mere ornaments, they carried powerful symbolism; many scarab beads were inscribed with prayers, protective spells, or the names of pharaohs, connecting the wearer to divine protection and favor.
During the Middle Kingdom (c. 2050–1710 BCE), scarab jewelry became especially popular, with artisans refining the shapes and adding intricate hieroglyphs. By the New Kingdom, scarab bead jewelry had become a widespread tradition, buried with the deceased to ensure safe passage into the afterlife.
Even outside Egypt, scarab bead jewelry spread across the Mediterranean through trade, influencing jewelry styles in regions such as Greece and the Levant. The enduring popularity of scarabs shows how this small beetle became a timeless emblem of transformation and protection.
Today, we work with skilled artisans in Luxor, Egypt, to create scarab beads hand-carved individually from soapstone. These pieces carry thousands of years of history, connecting wearers to the ancient traditions of beauty, belief, and symbolism.
Click this link to shop our full selection of scarab beads: https://egyptianimports.com/collections/scarab-beads
Click this link to shop our full selection of scarab beads: https://egyptianimports.com/collections/scarab-beads
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