Carnelian Enamel Marcasite (Pyrite) Silver Insect Brooch 11650-7167

Carnelian

Carnelian is a type of semiprecious gemstone that is a variety of chalcedony, which is itself a form of quartz. It is known for its reddish-orange color, which can range from pale to deep red. The name "carnelian" comes from the Latin word "carnis," which means "flesh," due to the gemstone's reddish color.

Carnelian has been used as a gemstone since ancient times. It was popular in ancient Egypt and was often used to create jewelry and other decorative items. In the ancient world, carnelian was believed to have various properties, including the ability to increase energy and vitality, improve communication skills, and protect against negativity.

Today, carnelian is still used in jewelry-making and is often used to create beads, pendants, and other decorative items. It is also believed to have certain healing properties and is often used in crystal healing practices.

Enamel

Enameling is a decoration technique in which a glass of certain composition is fused to the surrounding or under laying metal. Although the exact origins are unknown, the art of enamelling has been practiced since ancient times. The favor of adorning jewelry with bright colors has always existed and the use of glass created colors which nature – in the form of gemstones – could not provide for in ancient times. Excavations on Cyprus – in the Mediterranean – in the 1950's brought cloisonné enameled jewelry to the surface which dates from the 13th and 11th century BC. These are, to date, the earliest enameled items found in this particular technique.

Marcasite (pyrite)

Marcasite is a mineral that is made up of iron sulfide and has an orthorhombic crystal structure. It is known for its golden yellow color and metallic luster, but it is very brittle and not suitable for use in jewelry. Instead, what is often referred to as "marcasite" in jewelry is actually pyrite, which is also known as "fool's gold," that has been faceted to mimic the appearance of diamonds.

Marcasite has been used in jewelry since around 1700, and it is usually found mounted in silver. It has remained popular in high-quality fashion jewelry due to its attractive color and luster. In antique jewelry, marcasite can be distinguished from cut steel faux gems because marcasite is typically bead or prong-set, like a gemstone, while cut steel is usually riveted.

Silver

Silver is a white metallic element that is known for its excellent conductivity of heat and electricity. It is represented on the periodic table of elements by the symbol Ag, and it is a member of the noble metals, which are known for their excellent resistance to oxidation.

Silver is a relatively soft metal, with a hardness that is intermediate between gold and copper. It is more malleable and ductile than gold, which means that it can be easily shaped and molded into various forms. However, it is not as hard as copper, which means that it is more prone to scratches and other types of damage.

Because of its softness, silver is usually alloyed with another metal to harden it enough to maintain the desired shape and details when it is used in jewelry and other decorative objects. This helps to give it the necessary strength and durability for use in these types of applications.

Throughout history, silver has played a prominent role in the production of jewelry and objets d'art. It is prized for its beauty and versatility, and it is often used in a wide variety of different types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. It is also used in decorative objects, such as candlesticks, vases, and other decorative items.