Blue Lagoon - Vintage Sterling Silver Turquoise & Marcasite Dangly Earrings (VE036)

Blue Lagoon - Vintage Sterling Silver Turquoise & Marcasite Dangly Earrings. These lovely earrings are crafted from sterling silver hallmarked 925 for sterling.  They feature two turquoise (simulated) tear-drop gemstones, numerous genuine rose cut marcasite, vintage Victorian Revival styling, and quality craftsmanship. These beautiful blue/green gemstones display a wonderful matrix , which adds character and interest to the gems. The turquoise are surrounded by a silver frame of sparkling rose-cut marcasite. The touch of sparkle add a nice contrast and shimmer to the opaque turquoise gems. The surmount is tear-drop shaped with a single set marcasite for additional sparkle.  The earrings have a nice sturdy post for pierced ears and secure butterfly backs. These lovely Vintage earrings look stunning when worn, truly a perfect gift or addition to any jewelry collection. 

Note: Lovely design, and beautiful colour. The butterfly backs have been upgraded to secure larger sterling silver backings. 

History: Turquoise was one of the first gemstones ever mined, perhaps dating back to 6000 BC, in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. ... Turquoise has been mined in Iran for over 3,000 years. It has been used for thousands of years for jewelry by the Ancient Egyptians, who buried fine pieces with mummies.

Faux turquoise has a history intertwined with the popularity and scarcity of the genuine gemstone. As natural turquoise became more difficult to mine and therefore more expensive, manufacturers began producing imitations using materials like howlite and magnesite, which were then dyed and stabilized to resemble turquoise. This practice became prevalent in the 1990s when Chinese manufacturers began producing large quantities of dyed and stabilized materials. 

The first evidence of silver mining dates back to 3000 B.C., in Turkey and Greece, according to the RSC. Ancient people even figured out how to refine silver. They heated the silver ore and blew air over it, a process called cupellation.

The sterling alloy originated in continental Europe and was being used for commerce as early as the 12th century in the area that is now northern Germany. A piece of sterling silver dating from Henry II's reign was used as a standard in the Trial of the Pyx until it was deposited at the Royal Mint in 1843.

The name Marcasite in jewellery terms comes from the Arabic word for Pyrite, which is 'Markaschatsa'. Marcasite jewellery has been made since the time of the Incas and the Ancient Greeks. Cleopatra was reported to wear Marcasite in order to preserve her beauty.

Slag heaps near ancient mine workings in Turkey and Greece prove that silver mining started around 3000 BC. The metal was refined by cupellation, a process invented by the Chaldeans, who lived in what is now southern Iraq.

Measurements: 50.00 mm x 14.00 mm 

Stone Size: Turquoise 30.00 mm x 10.00mm 

Weight: 8.10 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Most likely Asia 

Date: Circa 1980