The brooch is marcasite, which is actually iron disulphide. (Ok, I googled it.)Apparently it started to gain use and popularity in England during the 18th century and was used to make lockets, brooches, and cameos, and as a substitute for "cut steel" beads that were popular in Georgian times.
Sorry about the blurry photo. I was in a rush!
Marcasite really gained popularity after the death of Queen Victoria's husband. "Dark and Sombre" was in. Silver and Marcasite jewellery became the fashion for the middle class and continued to the end of the Art Deco Period. This one was made in Germany and was given to my great aunt.
Lovely dress and the brooch is gorgeous too! x
ReplyDeleteThat dress is SO lovely! And you look so great with it on :)
ReplyDeletevery pretty!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful dress.
ReplyDeleteI would really like to be able to wear this kind of dress at work...but it's full of boors in there and I can't stand spending hours explaining why I like old clothes!!;)
ReplyDeleteOoh, that brooch is really pretty. And interesting info, too.
ReplyDelete-Andi x
I have a marcasite necklace that belonged to my grandmother. This has kind of inspired me to fish it out and work it into outfits!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Both you and the dress look lovely :-)
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