Autumn Leaves - Vintage Sterling Silver Natural Carnelian & Rose Cut Marcasite Dangly Earrings (VE404)

Autumn Leaves - Vintage Sterling Silver Natural Carnelian & Rose Cut Marcasite Dangly Earrings. These pretty earrings are crafted from sterling silver, hallmarked 925 for sterling silver. The earrings feature 2 natural oval cut cabochon carnelian gemstones, numerous genuine rose cut marcasite, Art Deco revival styling, and quality craftsmanship. These earrings are comprised of two kite shaped galleries, which are expertly claw-set with beautiful burnt orange/rust colored carnelians. The warm colored carnelian gems are enhanced with a sea of sparkling marcasite. There is a lovely marquise leaf pattern, which is showcased in the central portion of the earrings and the diamond shaped surmounts. The surmounts are also adorned with marcasite, and are designed for pierced ears. The backs feature posts and secure butterfly backs. These vintage beauties are set with genuine gemstones, and are in wonderful condition. They will truly bring a touch of elegance to any vintage jewelry collection. 

History: Carnelian was believed by the Romans to be a stone of courage--able to shore up confidence and strength. In ancient Egypt, the stone was placed on mummies to assist the dead in their journey to the afterlife while architects to the pharaohs wore carnelian to denote rank and status.

Marcasite was first used in jewellery as far back as ancient times, with Greeks, Thracians and Egyptians featuring the stone in their embellishments – Cleopatra herself was said to have worn marcasite.

The mineral marcasite, sometimes called "white iron pyrite", is iron sulfide (FeS2) with orthorhombic crystal structure.

Silver was discovered after gold and copper about 4000 bce, when it was used in jewelry and as a medium of exchange. The earliest known workings of significant size were those of the pre-Hittites of Cappadocia in eastern Anatolia.

In 1300, King Edward I enacted a statute ordering that all silver articles must meet the Sterling silver standard (92.5% pure silver), and should be assayed (from the French 'to try') by 'guardians of the craft', who would then mark the item with a leopard's head stamp.

Measurements: Earrings 38.00 mm x 10.20 mm 

Stone Size: Carnelian 6.00 mm x 4.00 mm     Marcasite 1.00 mm each 

Weight: 4.60 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: America 

Date: Circa 1980