Although this kind of jewelry has been made for centuries, and in many places, marcasite jewelry remains popular today in the US. It looks like tiny back diamonds set in silver. The marcasite “gems” are not actually marcasite, although a mineral by that name exists. Marcasite is related to pyrite, the iron pyrite that is also known as fool’s gold. Little surprise that pyrite is not used in the name or description of this jewelry. Fool’s gold jewelry just does not sound good as a name. So, let us slide a bit to one side and call it marcasite, a term which most people do not recognize other than in connection with this particular jewelry.
Whether it is fool’s gold or not, marcasite jewelry is good looking vintage costume jewelry. The silver material is usually not sterling, so the jewelry does not tarnish, and the little black gems are usually closely placed and cover the piece. In all, this jewelry is very attractive and not pricey. Often you can find newly-made jewelry clasps in this material. Such clasps dress up the business end of a necklace or beaded bracelet quite nicely if it fits the color scheme.
Boatloads of this jewelry was made during the Victorian era. It was accessible to more people due to price, and the silver and black fit in with the clothing styles and colors of the time. It is jewelry especially fit for mourning, a time of life the Victorians raised to a whole new level of experience and appearances. Both old and new marcasite jewelry is available at gift shops, resale shops, flea markets and even thrift stores. The finer pieces will obviously be tendered by antique stores or jewelry stores, but there are many forms available elsewhere.
Marcasite “gems” were also popular with the jewelry designers of the Art Deco era. Again, the resemblance to black diamonds make the marcasite gems a good design component, and the low cost allows large areas to be paved with the material if desired. New time you are looking at a book with Art Deco jewelry, look for the small black gems. You’ll see them, in all likelihood. Judith Jack, a contemporary jewelry designer, uses marcasite in some of her designs today.
Marcasite jewelry is also sometimes made with bits of cut steel in place of the pyrite gems. The visual effect is similar. Now days, steel or pyrite, the gems are glued instead of mounted, but with the excellent glues available now, this is not really a problem. You will find older pieces where the glue are lost its grip and the jewelry has empty places when gems should be. This is a problem as the missing pieces are so small that finding replacements and actually getting them reattached is highly unlikely. So, if you ware looking at older jewelry, check for missing gems. If there are some bits missing, you will have to decide if they are enough to turn you off of the piece, as repair is highly unlikely.
Should you be given a piece of marcasite jewelry, murmur your appreciation, and mention that the ancient Greeks used this form of adornment. This is true (according to Wikipedia). Anything good enough for them is worthy of consideration now. And it really is good looking, even if everyone knows it is not “fine” jewelry. If you lose it, the anguish is more for the sentimental loss than the financial loss.
* * * New or vintage, amethyst necklaces are suitable for everyone. * * *
* * * Read about other vintage jewellery. * * *
* * * Jewelry boxes are also American collectibles. * * *
* * * Music boxes often have a place to store special jewelry. * * *
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