Vintage Art Deco Sterling Marcasite Pin

No, I am not a gemologist, but I believe this Art Deco pin is the real deal.  It is unmarked and absolutely stunning.  It is done in Sterling Silver marcasite and features a red gemstone, possibly ruby.  Its clasp is an older version of the locking "C" clasp.  I believe it was made around 1920. 

Pin clasps are one way that a collector can date a piece of jewelry, although other features of an item must also be assessed.  Most "C" clasps were used before 1900 and simply feature a piece of metal or plastic in the shape of the letter "C."  Safety clasps became popular around 1910 and feature a "C" clasp with an additional metal piece that "rolls over" the clasp to prevent it from coming undone.  Another type of clasp called the "trombone" clasp was primarily used in Europe starting in 1850 and includes a piece of metal which slides in and out (like a trombone) to secure the pin. 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in purchasing this piece.  Questions, comments, and additional information are always appreciated.  My online shop on http://www.rubylane.com/ is coming soon.

Thank you to the following website(s) for the historical content of this blog post:

Vintage Costume Jewelry Info. Retrieved 5/29/2011 from http://vintagecostumejewelryinfo.blogspot.com/2009/10/brooch-clasp-types.html