Vintage Australian Marcasite Bird of Paradise Brooch by Lega, Melbourne, 1948 - 1980.

Marcasite was enormously popular in the 1950's, and the Mordialloc based company Lega, was one of the few firms in Australia producing marcasite jewellery.

Originally manufactured in the late 18th Century, Marcasite Jewellery was made of facetted crystals of iron pyrites (fools gold) set by hand in silver. Marcasite was a popular & inexpensive substitute for diamonds and was used to good effet under candelight. While never going totally out of vogue, being revised in England some 100 years after it was first made, it is the material produced in the 1390's, 40's and 50's that we are most familiar with.

Quality varies enormously. The older pieces are generally much better made, the stones are individually handset in silver and signed by the makers. Much of the marcasite produced in Germany was of good quality, with items by Theodore Farhner being very desirable. In some modern jewellery, cheaper pieces are cast in metals other than silver, with stone are glued in rather than handset and not pyrites or even polished steel.

Metal: Sterling Silver

Marks: LEGA No:514

Height: 5cm

Width: 4.5cm

Reference: A similar example is illustrated page 53 'Australian Jewellers Gold & Silversmiths Makers & Marks' Cavill Cocks & Grace

Condition: Excellent vintage condition

SEDGWICKS pride ourselves on sourcing and selling Antique & Estate Jewellery that is authentic, of good quality and in goo 0d condition. All items we sell are ‘Second-hand’ or ‘Used’ and may show some signs of wear. These may include faint scuffmarks and small dents, even very minor repairs. These are considered acceptable when dealing with antiques and second hand items. Any imperfections or minor damage will be listed in the description and visible in photos. Many higher value items are accompanied by an Independent Valuation. We ask that you carefully view the photographs provided and note we are happy to supply more images or fuller description if requested.

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Vintage Australian Marcasite Brooch, Lega 1950's