Antique Vintage Art retailer Deco Sterling Silver Black Onyx Marcasite Pin Brooch 11.7g

We have similar Marcasite and Art Deco items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Marcasite" or "Deco" under our items.

Listing Description by: Angela A.

The Piece

Age Circa: Art Deco C. 1920 - 1940

Markings: "925" on the back of the brooch, tested, and guaranteed

Country of Origin: Unknown

Brand: Unknown

Gram Weight: 11.7 grams

Metal Type: .925 sterling silver

Material: --

Main Stone: Onyx

Main Stone Measurements/Color:
-Length: 10.38 mm
-Width: 5 mm
-Color: opaque black hue

Accent Stone: Marcasite

Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
-Diameter: 1.25 mm
-Color: sparkly grey hue

Stone Treatment: The stone(s) appear to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.

Stone Cuts: Polished square and marquise cabochon onyx, rose cut marcasites

Item Measurements:
-Length: 1.49"
-Width: 0.87"

Pin/Brooch Style: Brooch, lapel pin, hat pin, scarf pin, tie pin

Closure Type: Pin stem with locking "c" clasp

Convertible to Pendant: If desired, your local jeweler can add a bale to this piece, so it can be worn as a pendant.

Notable Features:
-Handmade during the Art Deco era
-Composed of .925 sterling
-Features a rectangular design adorned with black onyx and marcasite stones
-The onyx rest in bezel settings at each end and at the center of the brooch
-The rose cut marcasites adorn linear patterns on the brooch's face
-Completed with a pin stem with a locking "c" clasp
-Can be worn on a variety of accessories, like hats, scarves, and jacket lapels, among many others

Damage: Age appropriate wear. The "c" clasp appears to be a replacement from a previous owner, and jewelry adhesive is visible beneath it; however, this does not affect wear. Tarnish and oxidation on the sterling silver gives this piece an antique quality which we believe is quite retailer lovely.

*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*


The History

The Art Deco era is famous for being the "Gatsby" or "Roaring Twenties" era. A lot of gorgeous and timeless designs in jewelry came out of this period. Jewelry from this period was most often crafted between 1920 and 1935. Art Deco jewelry sometimes featured white gold or platinum, geometric designs, European cut diamonds, filigree, and calibre cut stones that are specifically cut to fit the design of the piece. During the Art Deco period jewelers often made jewelry upon custom order, this would often take weeks to months to completely craft by hand.

Onyx is a chalcedony quartz gemstone that is found all over the world. It usually has a fine texture and black color; however, some onyx also displays colored bands or ribbons against a black or brown background. Red onyx is quite rare and desirable and is also known as sardonyx. Onyx that has a deep green shade is known as Brazilian green onyx and is very rare. It became a popular stone for sculpture and jewelry in the 1920s and 1930s. The name comes from the Greek word onyx which means nail of a finger or claw. The word onyx comes from the Greek word "ὄνυξ" which can be translated as "nail of a finger or claw." In Greco-Roman myth, the goddess of beauty, Aphrodite, lay sleeping when Eros cut her fingernails and left the clippings scattered on the ground. Because no part of a heavenly body can die, the gods turned them into stone which later became known as onyx.

Marcasite was a very popular stone during the Art Deco period. Marcasite is meticulously hand-cut from pieces of iron pyrite and perfectly faceted to reflect the light. Marcasite is pale yellow or white with a bright luster, but tarnishes to a brown color. During the wild, Gatsby-style parties, ladies' jewelry could be seen sparkling from across the room.



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