This ring is in the ancient Egyptian style. It is an example of how 19th century archaeological discoveries influenced design from about 1840 to 1860. The hollow bezel has the shape of a scarab beetle. It has a hinge underneath indicating a secret compartment or locket, possibly to hold a sentimental item such as a lock of hair. As with ancient Egyptian examples, the beetle is set so that it can swivel or revolve.

The scarab is an ancient symbol dating back to around 8,000 BC. For the ancient Egyptians, the scarab beetle pushing the ball of dung containing its eggs was a metaphor for the daily passage of the sun across the sky, and thus for the concept of rebirth. Carved scarabs exist from giants 15 metres long and 9 metres high, to tiny amulets used as charms or in burials, and seal stones or ornaments for personal use. Materials used vary according to perceived properties of the stone, or intended use. Some nineteenth century jewellery reused ancient scarabs but this ring has been made entirely in the nineteenth century.

Egyptian style jewellery became particularly fashionable in France with the discovery of the jewellery from the tomb of Queen Aahhotep by the archaelogist Auguste Mariette in 1859 which inspired numerous reproductions of varying degrees of fidelity.