The Czech Egyptian revival necklaces usually have the scarab heads pointing up. However I just noticed that I restrung my necklace with the heads down! I might have to redo that one.

Also they often have seed beads in between the beads (or equivalently knots) which lightens up the appearance. The seed beads can be contrasting in color.

I don’t care for the cubes either. I think you should stick with opaque glass. As suggested, I think you need a pendant as a focal piece. There are a handful of sellers on eBay with Czech Egyptian revival pieces and one just posted a nice selection of pendants.

Good luck with your project and thanks for sharing!