Beloved - Vintage Sterling Silver Rose Cut Marcasite Heart Locket Pendant & Chain (VP199)

Beloved - Vintage Sterling Silver Rose Cut Marcasite Heart Locket Pendant & Chain. This pretty locket is crafted from sterling silver, hallmarked 925 and a makers mark CA.  The locket features 22 genuine rose cut marcasite gemstones, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. The front of this locket is designed with hearts and flowers, which is adorned with beautiful sparkling marcasite. The back of the locket is solid and polished, which closes perfectly with a nice click sound. The chain matches the locket perfectly, and features a secure lobster-claw clasp, in perfect working order.

History: 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. The Incas are the first known civilization to have used marcasite in jewellery, with marcasite jewellery found in many Incan burial chambers.

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 denotes any silver alloy in which pure silver makes up at least 92.5 percent of the content. One theory is that the word sterling comes from the name Easterlings—coiners from east German states brought to England during the reign of Henry II (1154–89) to improve the quality of the coinage.

The tradition of wearing a locket has spanned thousands of years and can be traced back as far back as the 16th Century, during which time they were worn by both men and women. Lockets containing a portrait of the of-the-time monarch were frequently worn by those with particularly patriotic tendencies.

Measurements: Locket (Including the bale) 24.50 mm x 18.00 mm      Chain (adjustable extender) 16" - 19" 

Stone Size: Marcasite 1.50 mm 

Weight: 8.50 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Most likely Asia 

Date: Circa 1980