Sterling Silver Marcasite Leaf retailer Motif Brooch

Sterling Silver Marcasite Leaf Motif Brooch
A fine sterling silver lapel brooch in the form of a leaf,
with marcasite detailing.
A delightful piece,
and not at all heavy,
so this would be suitable for a blouse or shirt,
or summer weight jacket.
The lines suggest Art Nouveau,



The name Marcasite in jewellery terms comes from the Arabic word for Pyrite, which is ‘Markaschatsa'. 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. The stone can be found in high quantities throughout South America and has been called the gemstone of the Incas. The Inca people used it to make jewellery and also to produce round plate-like objects which may have been used as mirrors. These items were believed to be used in their sun-worship rituals as retailer a means of seeing into the future.
It became popular during the 18th and 19th century, particularly during the Victorian era as Queen Victoria wore Marcasite jewellery as a substitute for diamonds, which were so much more expensive. Most people could not afford real gemstones like diamonds so marcasite was a beautiful alternative and became affordable to the masses.