Marcasite Vintage Floral Spray Brooch

Marcasite jewellery has been around since the time of the Ancient Greeks and Incas. The word is derived from the Arabic word "fire". During the 1800's after the death of Prince Albert when Queen Victoria only wore black, and black jewellery, the marcasite jewellery became popular again and has had a number of resurgences since, particularly during the art deco era and again in the 1960's period.  There is no signature to the back of this lovely brooch, only the mark 715 which means that the metal is 715% out of 1000 pure silver. The marcasite stone is actually a form of iron pyrite cut and polished to a high sheen to catch the light.  Width of the brooch is 7cms and 3cms across at the widest point. It is in very good condition, especially considering its life span of somewhere between 60 and 70 years. Gift boxed by Vintageonline.