Stunning 18 carat gold swivel seal modelled as a chunky scarab, finely detailed, his legs wrapped around the side of the seal where there is also a gold label gold label marked PIERRET
The underside of the seal is set with a carnelian stone carved with the profile of a Roman head.
 
The swivel mechanism is formed from two gold snakes, coiled about the swivel, and up the rod of the seal, their two heads pointing upwards towards the bail at the top.
 
Ernesto Pierret was born in Paris in 1824 but moved to Rome as a young man where he trained as a goldsmith.  It has been suggested that he may have been an apprentice or at least spent some time in the workshop of Castellani due to the similarity in style and mastery of technique both firms display. 
 
In 1846 he opened his own shop and worked at building a reputation for his beautifully executed jewellery.  In 1853 Murray’s ‘Handbook to Central Italy and Rome’ describes him as being ‘now one of the first artists in Rome for Etruscan jewellery’.  
His work is of very high quality and often features micromosaics, cameos and intaglios as well as ancient artefacts such as Egyptian scarabs and Roman coins.  These are all set within wonderful, sometimes highly ornate, goldwork with typical Archaeological and Etruscan revivalist motifs (information courtesy of Hancocks)
 
weighs - 21.9g (not including jump ring)
measures - 48.5mm long x 33mm wide
the scarab - 24mm x 20mm 
18 carat gold
gold label marked PIERRET
Italian circa 1850 = 60
 
Condition - immaculate