Marcasite Necklace with Green Agate Pendant

click the photo to enlarge

A vintage marcasite and silver necklace, with stained green agate pendant.

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.

Subscribe Now to view actual auction price for this item

When you subscribe, you have the option of setting the currency in which to display prices to $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

This item has been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

Agate - Agate is a type of semi-precious gemstone that is made up of silica dioxide, a mineral that is also found in quartz. It is known for its distinctive banded patterns, which are created as layers of silica are deposited in different colours including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. It is often used in jewellery, decorative objects, and other decorative items, and it is prized for its beauty and durability. Agate is found in many parts of the world, including Brazil, India, and the United States.
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.

This item has been included into following indexes: