Silver Victorian Marcasite Brooch

This is a beautiful Victorian brooch, sparkling with Marcasites. In the 18h and 19th centuries, Marcasites were employed to appear as diamonds. Marcasite is actually pyrite, a mineral known as "fools' gold". Its first known use as a decorative element goes all the way back to the Inca civilization. In the aforementioned eras, Marcasites were faceted, just a genuine gemstones were, hence their ability too catch the the light.

In this instance, we have a brooch that is done in a popular Victorian motif, a sprig of flowers. Here we have three flowers, each with five petals that curl outward and a stamen that is raised in the middle ,with a single stone. The petals are dotted all over with the Marcasites. There is also a series of three leaves, embedded with the stones, which support the flowers, above a plain stem.

Looking at the reverse of the pin, which is 3 inches long and 1-3/4 inches wide, one can see that the flower petals are convex. The closure is of the trumpet variety, with a push pull action, common on Victorian pieces. It runs the length of the brooch. The metal, of which the pin is composed ,is not marked sterling, but polishes like silver plate.

This is the kind of delicate and feminine piece that would look terrific on a collar, as well as pairing congruently with similar looking pins. It is in excellent antique condition and is fully functional. Get this one to get your sparkle on!