Marcasite Ring

Marcasite jewellery is made from iron pyrite, also known as 'Fool's Gold'. Popular in Victorian and Edwardian eras as it's highly decorative and an inexpensive form of bling. As a commonly occurring form of sulphide mineral it has been used for human adornment for eons. The Incans are the first known civilisation to have worn marcasite jewellery and it has been found in many Incan burial chambers.

European Medieval restrictions on the buying and selling of diamonds led to a rise in its popularity as legislation attempted to keep diamonds and other luxury items to be in the preserve of only the richest and aristocratic society.

Good old Queen Victoria made the wearing of jewellery, especially brooches an even greater indication of status and crafty artisans were soon designing stunning pieces from marcasite.

These days many Art Deco marcasite items of jewellery command high prices as antique jewellery in marcasite is revered for it's wonderful shimmer as well as its association with vintage style.

No longer standing in the shadows of diamonds and gold, marcasite is desirable in its own right.