Vintage 925
sterling silver Marcasite and Rhinestones Flower basket Brooch Pin
The brooch is designed as a floral basket, adorned with
flowers and leaves, studded throughout the front with marcasite stones and set with
rhinestones flowers.
This basket has a twisted handle and textured detailing
to its front. Crafted in burn silver finish and Marked 925 on the back alongside
the Italian maker’s mark. The cool glitter of this brooch is captivating.
It features a (slightly bent) safety clasp on the
reverse.
Weight: 12.50grams, it is approx. 62 mm x 40 mm
In Very Good Vintage condition. No loss
Marcasite jewelry is jewelry made using cut and polished
pieces of pyrite (fool's gold) as gemstone
Marcasite jewelry has been made since the time of the
Ancient Greeks. It was particularly popular in the eighteenth century, the
Victorian era and with Art Nouveau jewelry designers. When diamonds were banned
from public display in Switzerland in the 18th century marcasite, along with
cut steel, was turned to as a replacement.
When Prince Albert died in 1861, Queen Victoria entered a
period of mourning, requiring her entire court to wear black and avoid opulent
jewelry. Marcasite became popular as an understated alternative for the
nobility