A wonderful Egyptian Revival stickpin in 14ct gold, c.1920–1930, depicting a Pharaoh in headdress set with a vivid royal blue square sapphire of 4.5 × 4.5mm and old European cut diamonds. The Egyptian Revival in jewellery reached its peak in the years following Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in November 1922 — an event that sent shockwaves through the decorative arts world and triggered an immediate and widespread fascination with ancient Egyptian imagery. Pharaoh heads, scarabs, lotus flowers and hieroglyphs appeared across jewellery, fashion, and architecture throughout the 1920s, and this stickpin is a fine and wearable example of the genre. The combination of the royal blue sapphire and the white diamonds against the gold gives the piece a bold, graphic quality entirely in keeping with the Art Deco sensibility of the period. Possibly made by Brassier & Co. Faded hallmark; tests as 14ct gold. Head 1.3 × 1.6cm.

The Details

• Circa: 1920–1930
• Head dimensions: 1.3 × 1.6cm
• Sapphire: 4.5 × 4.5mm (royal blue, square)
• Diamond weight: 0.04 carats (old European cut)
• Hallmarks: Faded hallmark; tests as 14ct gold
• Maker: Possibly Brassier & Co