The reason they were fascinated with scarab beetles is; Scarab amulets' powers of rebirth and renewal were utilized to aid the dead and they could either be placed in the tomb or within the deceased's mummy wrappings, particularly atop the heart. The heart was very significant for the ancient Egyptians, as they believed it to be the seat of the mind. The scarab-beetle was the symbol of the Sun-god and as such could stimulate the deceased's heart to life. The scarab-beetle was the symbol of “transformations,” whereby the deceased could make any “changes” into whatever his heart desired.
I have worn a scarab beetle amulet for many many years now and I never take it off!