Birks - Vintage Sterling Silver Rose Cut Marcasite Ornate Bracelet (VB109)

Birks - Vintage Sterling Silver Rose Cut Diamond Marcasite Ornate Bracelet. This lovely bracelet is crafted from sterling silver, hallmarked BIRKS, STERLING, WEST GERMANY.  The bracelet features numerous genuine rose cut marcasite, vintage styling, and quality craftsmanship. This gorgeous bracelet is comprised of fancy ornate links, which are adorned by sparkling marcasite. The bracelet's links are solid, substantial, and flexible, which allows for a comfortable fit. The bracelet's clasp opens and closes well, and also features a safety chain for additional security.  This Vintage Birks bracelet is a beautiful treasure from the past, to be cherished and enjoyed for many years to come. 

History: With an investment of CAD$3,000, Henry Birks opened in 1879 a small jewellery shop on Saint James Street in the heart of Montreal's financial and commercial district. In 1893, Birks entered into a partnership with his three sons (William, John and Gerald), and the name of the firm became Henry Birks and Sons.

As we know, in 1949, Germany was divided into two parts, West and East Germany. Successful in the jewelry art, West German masters began signing their products “Western Germany” or “West Germany”, and sometimes “W.

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.

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.

By about the 12th century in England, silver coins were called "Easterlings," a word later abbreviated to "sterling." In 1300, King Edward I made the definition official by declaring that sterling silver had to be 92.5 percent pure silver and should be marked by "guardians of the craft."

Measurements: Bracelet 

Stone Size: Marcasite 1.50 mm 

Weight: 19.00 grams 

Origin: Germany, West Germany        Provenance: Canada, Montreal   

Date: Circa 1960