The Egyptian Obession

Victorians were obsessed with Egypt and many jewellery designs of that time represented this obsession. Craftsmen were creating scarab rings and pendants from semi precious materials and colourful enamels to satisfy the passion of the Victorians. Whilst our collection doesn't have an original Eygptian revival piece. We do have several 'Victorian' revival pieces inspired by Egyptology and aptly created by the British designer Sphinx around the 1960's to 70's.

Victorian Revival Brooch by Sphinx circa 1970

The Sphinx company was founded in late 1940 to 1950 by S. Root, in Chiswick, London UK. They specialised in making high end quality costume jewellery, so well made it had the look of the real thing. Sphinx produced pieces for Kenneth Jay Lane, Butler & Wilson, 5th Avenue,Bloomingdales to name just a few. The sphinx signature can be found on many of their pieces with the word 'Sphinx' inscribed on an oval plaque. Other pieces were left unsigned, or will have design numbers only or a letter and numbers.

Production ceased in the 1990's - 2000 however Sphinx jewellery is very desirable and has become highly collectible more so very early pieces.They made a huge range or jewellery in various designs and styles and were mostly associated with their statement pieces.