Marcasite Sterling Silver & Hematite Ring ~ Judith Jack Designs ~ Size 8 - Art Deco Style
The Judith Jack legacy began over thirty years ago with a real couple named Judith and Jack Rosenberg. Fascinated by antique and estate jewelry, they created their own designs inspired by the sterling and Marcasite pieces that they loved.
Today Judith Jack jewelry continues to reflect the discerning tastes of its founders , vintage inspired pieces are offered, along with more contemporary collections featuring semi-precious stones, Swarovski® crystal, genuine pearl or special cuts of Marcasite stones, in square, oval, baguette or marquise. Today, the Judith Jack brand legacy continues: fine quality, signature design and unique styling.
In this listing we have a beautiful Art Deco style Marcasite and Hematite Sterling Silver Ring by Judith Jack Designs in a Size 8. This has ring been previously and gently owned showing minimal wear. It is also in excellent condition and comes with a ring box. There are no missing stones, it is complete and intact. Band width at the center stone is approximately 1/4" of an inch and tapers down underneath the finger on the band. The inner ring band has the signature stamp mark of Sterling , as well as the country or origin where it was made “Thailand”, a world premier output of precious and semi-precious stones and jewelry.
Marcasite was known during the 1920’s flapper era as the “poor man’s diamonds” for the non-aristocratic middle class because of the high glitter the stone and the way in which it was cut would sparkle just like diamonds. This ring reflects the Art Deco/Egyptian-ish style of that period which was most popular in jewelry, fashion and furniture designs of that time.
Marcasite Jewelry
Marcasite jewelry usually refers to silver jewelry inlaid with small stones made of Pyrite. Pyrite is a naturally occurring mineral found in a variety of geological formations. The most common precious metal used with Marcasite is Sterling silver. Due to the contrast between the two metallic grey shades, the combination is very striking and it gives a special vintage look to silver jewelry
History of Marcasite Jewelry
Early traces of Marcasite jewelry have been found in ancient Greece and the burial grounds of the Inca people in Latin America. Cleopatra was also reported to favor Marcasite jewelry as it was believed to have the power to preserve her beauty.
Silver jewelry decorated with Marcasite was extremely popular in 18th and 19th century Britain, reaching its peak in popularity during the reign of Queen Victoria in England in the second half of 19th century. The Queen wore some beautiful Marcasite jewelry as a substitute for her diamonds. Silver and Marcasite jewelry is once again popular with people who value luxurious and stunning designs at affordable prices.