The Legacy Collection - Rare vintage jewels, handpicked to be treasured for generations.
 
A masterwork of miniature silversmithing — where no detail was spared, and no shortcut taken.
 
This extraordinary 1920s brooch, meticulously crafted in 925 sterling silver (professionally tested), is far more than an adornment. It is a narrative jewel — a moment from another century captured in silver, rendered with a level of craftsmanship that is scarcely seen today.
This remarkable 1920s brooch, crafted in solid 925 sterling silver (tested), is an extraordinary example of figurative narrative jewellery, brought to life through painstaking marcasite-set craftsmanship that is virtually extinct today.
The composition unfolds like a frozen scene from a bygone era:
Two finely sculpted horses, captured mid-stride, their legs lifted in motion, muscles and bridles articulated with astonishing precision
A horseman and carriage driver, reins in hand, rendered with expressive detail despite the miniature scale
An elegant horse-drawn carriage, complete with:
A cut-out window, allowing light and shadow to pass through — a deliberate and highly skilled design choice
Double spoked wheels, each individually formed, dimensional, and perfectly proportioned
Architectural elements on the carriage roof and body, echoing aristocratic travel of the early 20th century
Every surface is painstakingly set with marcasite, stone by stone, creating texture, depth, and a subtle, dignified shimmer. This is not decorative excess — it is controlled brilliance. No effort has been left behind. Every centimetre has been considered, finished, and refined.
The craftsmanship: why this cannot be replicated today
This brooch is a testament to a lost discipline:
Hand-set marcasite work, requiring patience, precision, and immense skill
High-relief silver construction — not stamped, not hollow, not simplified
A level of labour intensity that modern jewellery production simply does not permit
Marcasite jewellery of this calibre belongs to a cult collector category. Serious marcasite collectors actively seek pieces like this — figurative, narrative, silver-rich examples — and many would pay any price to acquire such a work when it surfaces.
 
More than jewellery — a true artefact
This piece transcends adornment. It can be:
Worn as a brooch on coats, shawls, saris, or evening wraps
Used as a bracelet pendant, suspended on velvet, silk ribbon, or a silver chain
Styled as a hair pin, bag charm, sleeve brooch, or collar accent
And when not worn, it deserves to be displayed proudly — at the centre of a table, in a collector’s cabinet, or on a tray as a sculptural artefact. It commands attention even in stillness.
 
A gift of rare significance
For someone who loves:
Heirloom silver
Marcasite jewellery
Figurative antiques
Objects with history, narrative, and soul
This is not a fleeting gift. It is a legacy object — the kind remembered, preserved, and eventually passed on.
 
Details
Era: 1920s
Material: 925 sterling silver (tested)
Stones: Marcasite
Design: Figurative / narrative / early 20th-century silver work
Measurements: 5 cm (width) × 2.5 cm (height)
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with beautiful, authentic patina
Why this is an extraordinary collectible at this price
Comparable marcasite silver pieces of this narrative complexity are increasingly scarce and often seen only in private collections or specialist European markets. The workmanship alone — in solid sterling silver — places this far above ordinary vintage jewellery.
This is not merely worn.
It is collected, admired, and revered.
A true Jazz Age silver artefact, preserved against all odds.
 
Care
Store separately in a soft pouch. Avoid moisture, perfumes, and polishing solutions. Let the natural patina remain — it is part of the brooch’s story. Gently wipe with a soft, dry cloth after handling.
 
- c. 1920s
- 925 Silver (Sterling hallmarked) and marcasite
- In excellent vintage condition. No defect or damage or damage. Please see close up video for quality assurance.
- Measures: 2.5 cm height x 5 cm wide
- Sourced from a coveted vintage fair in London, UK