Mark my marcasite

Marcasite is enjoying something of a revival according to jeweller John Farrington, the well-known diamond dealer who has just opened an additional shop in Drury Street, Dublin 2, specialising in mostly silver jewellery and giftware as well as antique mirrors.

He stocks a mix of modern jewellery in silver, marcasite and gemstones modelled on Art Deco and period pieces, along with assorted antique silver jugs, platters and picture frames. The price tags on the jewellery, starting at around €75, make many of the pieces perfect for wedding accessories or as gifts. Examples include butterfly or kingfisher brooches from €90 to €150, a white topaz and marcasite necklace for €225, and a blue topaz pendant necklace for €485, with matching drop earrings for €175, all exquisitely made. The first delivery sold out almost immediately; typical customers included three friends who bought a white topaz and marcasite necklace as a wedding gift.