Description
This is a pair of vintage late mid century 1980s sterling silver and bezeled black onyx pierced earrings with a prominent oxidized finish. They comprise fleurs de lis tops, polished natural onyx stones, and sparkly faceted marcasites. They are in excellent used condition. There are no repair marks, dings, dents, deep scratches, or other damages. The earrings are 1 inch across the body and 2.25 inches long. Weight is 12.9 gr. The onyx stones are bezel set and measure 13mm each in diameter across. They are exceptionally well made, thick, strong and durable. A lovely addition to your vintage jewelry collection. Nice and showy for any occasion.
Additional ai date and prominence verification:
Silver and marcasite jewelry with an oxidized finish experienced a major revival in the 1980s. Driven by a broader fashion fascination with vintage, antique-inspired styles—specifically Art Deco and Victorian aesthetics—these pieces provided consumers with an elegant, textured alternative to the era’s typical heavy gold statement jewelry.
While marcasite (actually faceted pyrite) and oxidized sterling silver were historically prominent in the 18th and 19th centuries, their 1980s resurgence manifested in several specific ways:
- Antique Reproductions: Jewelers actively reproduced Art Deco and Victorian filigree patterns, using the oxidized (darkened) silver to create a dramatic, high-contrast background that made the metallic sparkle of the marcasite stones pop.
- Day-to-Night Wear: Unlike the flashy, colorful costume jewelry dominating the decade, marcasite offered a subtle, subdued metallic sparkle that women could wear for both daytime and evening looks.
- Signature Styles: Common designs from this era included large statement brooches (often shaped as bows, animals, or flowers), dangling chandelier earrings, and intricate link bracelets
