The ancient Egyptians attached great religious significance to the combination of lapis and gold and to the humble scarab beetle, a symbol of resurrection and eternal life. Regalia made of gold and lapis was believed to place the wearer under the protection of the sun and heaven. Gold was regarded as a divine metal relating to the ancient Egyptian sun god, Ra. Lapis was thought to be a sacred stone, its celestial significance represented in the rich blue color of this stone. Crafted from graduated lapis stone beads, pewter scarab beads with gold finish, and completed with a lobster claw closure. Measures 18 in.