Vintage late 1980s sterling and marcasite brooch from Judith Jack features a pearlized dome of mother-of-pearl in its filigreed center.

Inspired by the platinum and diamond look of a lacy Edwardian pendant brooch, it balances the richness of its “antiqued” silver with the gleam of the marcasites, and the simulated beadwork which surrounds them in intricate texture.

The reverse of the brooch has a vertical pin stem with securely locking clasp, and is stamped “STERLING” and “JJ” inside paired triangles.

Judith and Jack Rosenberg started as antique and estate jewelry dealers in the early 1970s, and after noticing how quickly the marcasite pieces sold, began to manufacture it themselves. Though their jewelry had an heirloom look to it, they didn’t copy antique designs but rather worked from the drawings of their designers, and prided themselves on high quality craftsmanship.

In addition to marcasites, their sterling jewelry incorporated amethysts, citrines, garnets, onyx, and mother of pearl. Though they typically used faux pearls, they did introduce lines with genuine pearls and precious stones like sapphires and emeralds in the 90s and 2000s. Photo #4 shows a 1988 Bloomingdale’s ad for a group of sterling and marcasite jewelry set with mother-of-pearl cabochons that is quite similar to the brooch being offered here; as you can see, the jewelry was higher end (adjusted for inflation, the $120 pin would have cost $270 now).

Measuring 1 ½” high by 1 3/8” across and with a digital weight of 10 grams, this antique-inspired brooch is in excellent condition.

Proud Member of the VFG Vintage Fashion Guild