Art Deco Carnelian Brooch with Marcasite and Silver

• Marcasite - Marcasite is a mineral, iron sulphide, but is rarely used in jewellery. Instead marcasite is the name given to iron pyrites, the mineral sold as marcasite which is identical in copmosition to iron sulphide but crystalises as a cube, making it more suitable for jewellery. It is a brassy yellow in colour and is also known as "fool's gold", and sits well with silver rather than gold becasue of its colour.
  
  Marcasite has been used in jewellery since ancient times and became popular again in jewellery in the 18th century, continuing through to the early 20th century, with the settings becoming cheaper as time progressed, eventually earning the sobriquet "costume jewellery" along with other cheap jewellery that was made for a prevailing pattern and meant to be changed with each new outfit.
• Art Deco Period - The Art Deco period was a cultural movement that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, and was characterized by its emphasis on modernism, luxury, and elegance. The name "Art Deco" comes from the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, a large exhibition held in Paris in 1925 that showcased the latest trends in decorative arts.
  
  Art Deco was a reaction against the ornate and elaborate styles of the previous era, and reflected a new modern sensibility. It was characterized by streamlined, geometric shapes, bright colours, and the use of new materials such as chrome, glass, and Bakelite. Art Deco designers sought to create a sense of luxury and sophistication, often incorporating expensive materials such as ivory, marble, and rare woods.
  
  Art Deco had a significant impact on a wide range of artistic fields, including architecture, fashion, graphic design, and interior design. Some of the most iconic examples of Art Deco architecture include the Empire State Building in New York City, the Hoover Building in London, and the Palais de Chaillot in Paris.
  
  The Art Deco period came to an end in the 1940s, as World War II and changing cultural trends led to a shift in artistic styles. However, Art Deco remains an important influence on design and art, and continues to be celebrated for its modernist sensibility and glamorous aesthetic.
• Carnelian Glass - Carnelian glass is a type of glass that is colored red, orange, or brownish-red. It is made by adding iron oxide to the glass mixture. The color of carnelian glass can vary depending on the amount of iron oxide that is added, as well as the firing temperature. Carnelian glass is often used to make beads, jewellery, and other decorative items. It can also be used to make stained glass windows and other art objects. Carnelian glass is sometimes called "carnelian chalcedony" or "carnelian quartz."
  
  Carnelian glass was first made in the Roman Empire. It was also made in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Mesopotamia. Carnelian glass was not made again until the Renaissance, when it became popular again. Today, carnelian glass is made in many countries around the world.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• Art Deco jewellery - brooches, period or age 297
• brooches, set with - marcasite 198
• brooches, silver - silver items 2,617