Do you prefer vintage or new jewellery, which is it for you? For me I have to say that although I favour vintage just by its very nature, quality and heritage, there are some excellent vintage inspired jewellery designers and makers out there that are extremely effective. I usually can tell a true vintage article a mile away, but recently I've had a couple of pieces put under my scrutinising gaze and actually, they were so truly clean and new looking, it was hard to believe they were in fact true vintage pieces. Sometimes it is only their hallmark that can give their true age away.

When it comes to semi-precious stone set vintage jewellery, usually the silver will have its characteristic dullness and tarnish and the stones may be hazy or milky and if magnified the scuffs and scratches of time can be seen on the facets of the stones. Once cleaned, these pieces can come up amazing and are great value for money. Over the past few years, vintage has become a fashion statement within its own rights and the home sewn crimplene dresses our grannies made are now the hot property of many a discerning wardrobe. Vintage jewellery is just the same, a simplistic charm but with quality and when you mix the old with the new, you can create a unique and distinctive look.

Marcasite as a stone may be known by many as 'fool's gold'. The faceted stones shimmer under the light, both artificial and natural and create a wonderful display of sparkle and bling. Mix this with sterling silver and you have what has been alluded to on many occasions as a match made in heaven. One complements the other beautifully and the jewellery today made using Marcasite is incredibly stylish and very chic. The beauty with Marcasite too is its vintage look. It became a popular stone for the Victorians and was a diamond substitute, but Marcasite has found its own position within the lapidary world and is fast becoming a best seller.

Marcasite And More are Europe's leading supplier of Marcasite and sterling silver jewellery that feature semi-precious stones and for a new version of vintage they are my personal choice. There are other fantastic designers and manufacturers out there that are equally worth checking out too and the diversity of designs makes it a jewellery lover's delight! As Marcasite has a deep colouration, next to the sterling silver it does look very vintage in appearance and therefore makes a fantastic quality alternative to true vintage.

If you manage to find vintage Marcasite then great! At present there is quite an influx of vintage costume jewellery and sterling silver pieces and all of these items are well worth collecting and using or re-working into other fabulous designs.