02-24-2015 05:54 PM
I have this 2+1/4" pin with frosted glass and red plastic marked 'MADE IN FRANCE'.
Looks Deco to me, not sure if it's actually from that era.
I want to restore the missing stones but I can't decide if they should be tiny rhinestones or marcasites.
I was able to find a similar one online with lilac glass and a different shape, also French and described as from the 1920's-30's. That one had clear rhinestones.
Does anybody know if this once held RSs or marcasites, also...any thoughts on age ?
TIA !
02-24-2015 06:54 PM
Don't know what it's supposed to have in it Cali, but jmo I think it would really be a knock out with marcasites.
Carolyn
02-24-2015 07:29 PM
It sure says Deco to me, Cali. On the one hand, I think white rhinestones would make it pop and and give it an updated look. On the other, marcasites would give it a more refined and understated look truer to the period. It's going to look great either way. It's got good bones!
02-24-2015 07:56 PM
Thank you Carolyn and Dreams. I first thought 'originally marcasites' but I have found another similar one and that one had clear RSs as well. The cups that hold the stones are pointed and not flat, most marcasite settings I have seen are flat but that may not mean anything.
I think they were copying BOUCHERER fine jewelry that used rock crystal and real diamonds and gemstones in precious metals.
Right now I'm leaning toward RSs as the original stones.
02-24-2015 08:41 PM - edited 02-24-2015 08:44 PM
02-24-2015 09:07 PM
Yes Crow, one of them.
02-25-2015 02:16 AM - edited 02-25-2015 02:19 AM
My inclination would be small sparking rhinestones.
I don't see prongs or bead settings, and to me this would be something that I'd consider in deciding whether to use marcasites or rhinestones. I know that this is not always true, but glued in marcasites generally do not denote the best quality. Also, this probably started life with rhinestones, based on the shape of the cups that you describe, so I'd stick with the original look as much as possible.
This is going to be an absolute stunner when it's restored, either way.
02-25-2015 04:43 AM
Looks Deco to me Cali, I think marcasite and will look more when I return from Dr. office.. also looks carnelian.. and maybe lucite..
02-25-2015 05:24 AM
I would say it's probably galalith and will look stunning either way, with rhinestones or marcasites.
02-25-2015 05:35 AM
What a great piece. Very Deco looking. I think it is older based on the construction. What about black hematite rhinestones? They would still hold true to the age of the piece, be the correct substitute for marcasites and would really make that piece pop.
I would stick to rhinestones for the reasons that Arlene stated.
02-25-2015 07:01 AM
Thank you Everyone.
Another question, I don't know if this would have had vintage Swarovski RSs or another type, I want to be as accurate as possible for restoring.
02-25-2015 08:09 AM
With the piece being made in France it could go either way, Swarovski or Czech. If you chose to go with clear rhinestones remember that the number of facets in a rhinestone could come into play for accuracy, but not sure it really makes that big of a difference in the long run.
02-25-2015 11:14 AM
I agree older, have you tested it for silver?
I have a peacock borrch im in the process of restoring (it went through the washing machine ), I know was originally marcasites. But the cups are pointed back rather than flat, so I have to make do with what I can find. Wish I could find marcasties with pointed tops and bottoms
02-25-2015 11:59 AM
Hi again Cali, after looking at some books and reading all the comments, I would say, If it were platinum it would be carnelian, diamonds, and frosted crystal, if it is sterling, marcasite, carnelian, and (still could be frosted glass or crystal.. If none of the above, Then rhinestone, carnelian,glass , and would look beautiful no matter how you refinish. It still has that Deco look for sure.. Can not wait to see what you do with it 🙂
02-25-2015 02:34 PM
Thank you for all the help !
Doesn't test as sterling. Rain, the rectangle is glass, I believe the red is galalith and I think I'll go with RSs. Not sure I have the right size, I may need to order some, these are tiny, like size 6-8pp.