Recently Sold (VE367)

After Eight - Vintage Art Deco Revival Sterling Silver Black Onyx & Marcasite Dangly Earrings. These elegant earrings are crafted from sterling silver, hallmarked 925 for sterling silver. Featuring genuine triangular shaped black onyx gemstones, 2 genuine elongated triangular shaped black onyx gemstones, 16 genuine rose cut marcasite gemstones, Art Deco revival styling, and quality craftsmanship. These exquisite earrings are made for pierced ears, featuring posts and secure butterfly backs. The surmount showcases a beautiful black onyx gemstone, which is inlaid into a bezel frame. Dangling from the surmount is a geometric designed gallery (a characteristic of Art Deco and Art Deco revival jewelry) which is adorned by sparkling marcasites, and jet black onyx gems. The back of the earrings are polished , and hallmarked with a 925 sterling silver purity stamp. These vintage earrings are elegant and dramatic. However not too large, which makes them versatile for not only 'After Eight" evening wear, but for anytime at all! 

History: Black Onyx is the most famous variety of onyx. The stone has a long history of being associated with protective powers across many cultures including Ancient Greeks and Romans, Persian, Chinese and Indian. Throughout history, the stone has not only been used in amulets and jewellery, but also in carved cameos.

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".

Measurements: Earrings 42.00 mm x 14.00 mm 

Stone Size: Black Onyx 11.00 mm x 3.50 mm  and 10.00 x 9.50 mm   Marcasite 2.00 mm 

Weight: 5.00 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America 

Date: Circa 1980