Marcasite jewellery

Marcasite brooch made from pyrite and silver

Marcasite jewellery is jewellery made from pyrite (fool's gold), not, as the name suggests, from marcasite.^[1] Pyrite is similar to marcasite, but more stable and less brittle. Marcasite jewellery has been made since the time of the Ancient Greeks.^[2] It was particularly popular in the eighteenth century, the Victorian era and with Art Nouveau jewellery designers.^[2][3] It is frequently made by setting small pieces of pyrite into silver.^[3] Cheaper costume jewellery is made by glueing pieces of pyrite rather than setting.^[2] A similar-looking type of jewellery can be made from small pieces of cut steel.^[1][2]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Thomas, Arthur (2008). Gemstones: Properties, Identification and Use. New Holland Publishers. p. 121. ISBN 1845376021. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=MPZK8ILOSR0C&pg=PA121. 
2. ^ ^{a b c d} Goldemberg, Rose Leiman (2000). Antique Jewelry: A Practical & Passionate Guide. iUniverse. p. 116. ISBN 0595088988. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=Zxr5tZF8GPQC&pg=PA116. 
3. ^ ^{a b} Hesse, Rayner W. (2007). Jewelrymaking Through History: An Encyclopedia. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 15. ISBN 0313335079. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=IVgU0icm948C&pg=PA15.