Deco Delight - Art Deco Sterling Silver Hand-Set Rose Cut Marcasite Necklace (ADN075)

Deco Delight - Art Deco Sterling Silver Hand-Set Rose Cut Marcasite Necklace. This exquisite necklace is crafted from sterling silver, a faint STERLING hallmark on the back of the necklace, with a makers butterfly stamp. Featuring genuine rose cut marcasite gemstones, Art Deco styling, and high quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this necklace consists of geometric shapes(a characteristic of Art Deco jewelry) which are hand-set with beautiful sparkling marcasite gemstones. The chain portion of this lovely necklace are made into exquisite ornate marquise shaped links, and a secure slide lock with a safety catch. This Art Deco era necklace would make a wonderful gift for that special someone, or addition to your antique jewelry collection.

History: It has been used for millennia and is now often sought after in vintage jewellery. Marcasite has a high shine and was first used because of this property by the Ancient Egyptians. It is thought Cleopatra herself wore marcasite jewellery because it was considered to ward off negative energy and promote healing. 

The story of silver mining began about 5,000 years ago. Silver was first mined around 3,000 BCE in Anatolia, now located in modern-day Turkey. The precious metal helped early civilizations in the Near East, Ancient Greece to flourish.

The term "sterling silver" probably originated in eastern Germany when five towns formed the Hanseatic League in the 1100s. These town minted their own coins of 92.5 percent silver. When Britain sold cattle and grain to the League, they were paid in "Easterling coins".

What is Art Deco Jewelry? The Art Deco design era originated in France in the 1910s, just before World War I, and continued through the 1930s. Representing luxury, modern flair, and glamor, this era embraced social and technological progress with bold lines, sharp angles, and geometric patterns.

Measurements: Necklace 16 1/4"

Stone Size: Marcasite 2.00 mm - 1.00 mm 

Weight: 12.00 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Most likely Germany 

Date: Circa 1920