Swarovski is known for their fabulous rhinestones. Many jewelry designers use swaravski crystals in their designs and these pieces are often high in demand.
The company is recently showing more and more products with marcasites as a focal point. Many Swarovski pieces use black gemstones, since these go so well with all fashion choices, so it's no surprise to see marcasites being used in their designs now.
The ring shown here is one such design. It is made by Ponchi jewelry and features a large round top with gemstones and the lower part of the setting is covered with marcasites.
Marcasites have been long used in vintage jewelry. It has the same composition as pyrite (also known as fool's Gold) but has a different chemical structure. It is a gunmetal gray color with a shiny finish and is inserted in the same was as a rhinestone is.
Vintage Jewelry Lane has a few marcasite designs. Here is a pretty butterfly pin set in sterling silver with marcasite accents. It is a real bargain at only $16.99.
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