Le Pharaon

A miniature pharaoh pendant in yellow gold, modelled on both sides with a striped headdress, narrow face and ceremonial beard. Its compact scale makes a monumental image easy to wear.

The image of a pharaoh

In ancient Egyptian art, the striped nemes headcloth identified the king. Royal images could also include an upright cobra, or uraeus, as a sign of kingship and protection, together with the ceremonial beard. These features communicated office and authority rather than naming a specific ruler.

The British Museum’s guide to royal Egyptian symbols explains the nemes and uraeus. This pendant uses a simplified modern version of that visual language; it is not a portrait that can be assigned to a named pharaoh.

Potential provenance

This is modern, pre-owned jewellery, not an ancient Egyptian artefact. No visible hallmark or maker’s mark identifies its date, workshop or country. The Egyptian subject speaks to a long history of revival jewellery, but the motif alone does not prove when or where this example was made.

Gold and value

XRF testing produced a surface reading consistent with 9ct yellow gold. At 37.5% nominal fineness, the 1.03g gross weight gives a theoretical fine-gold equivalent of about 0.39g, before allowing for solder or other non-gold components.

The asking price is AUD 225. It is priced as a finished, wearable jewel rather than as bullion; future value is not guaranteed.

Details

• Status: One piece available
• Material: Yellow gold; XRF surface reading consistent with 9ct
• Hallmark: No hallmark visible
• Weight: 1.03g
• Width: 10mm
• Length: 20mm
• Condition: Pre-owned, with light surface wear visible
• Asking price: AUD 225

Pendant only. The styled chain is not included.