Antique Seed Pearl Necklace with Marcasite Clasp

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Antique three strand seed pearl necklace with a marcasite and glass set clasp, probably a silver setting. Approx length 40 cm

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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:

A 24ct gold bracelet, cluster links to a barrel clasp (clasp tests 18ct) with safety clip and chain, wt. 49.6g. (with original purchase receipt).

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An 18ct gold rope chain, with closed soldered clasp. Wt. 16.4g.

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A 14ct gold rope chain, to a bolt ring clasp, length 46 cm, wt. 11.7g.

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