Vintage Marcasite Lorgnettes on Long Muff Chain
Pair vintage marcasite set lorgnettes, on long silver plated muff chain. Length 47.24 in. (chain)
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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. - Muff Chain - A muff chain is a type of long chain, usually made of a precious metal such as gold or silver, that was worn in the 18th and 19th centuries as a practical accessory to hold a muff, which was a cylinder-shaped cover for the hands that was popular during this time. The chain was worn around the neck with the muff attached to one end, and the other end would be passed through a slit in the side of a coat or jacket, so that the muff could be held close to the body for warmth. Muff chains were often highly decorative and were sometimes embellished with gems or enamel work. While they are no longer commonly used for their original purpose, muff chains can be worn as a vintage accessory or as a decorative element in modern fashion.
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