Genuine Marcasite Jewellery
Marcasite is a sparkling semi-precious gemstone that was once known as ‘Fools Gold’, but it has found new popularity in recent years. It has a beautiful, lustrous appearance, perfect for adding a touch of glamour and elegance to jewellery pieces. This guide will help you discover all you need to know about this unique and distinctive gem. We’ll explain what marcasite actually is, share a history of this jewellery style and give you top tips on caring for your marcasite piece to ensure it lasts a lifetime.
Typically set in silver, marcasite is a mixture of the pyrite (or fools gold) mineral and tiny sparkly little crystals. It has a shimmering, metallic finish that reflects light, much like a diamond. Jewellers often use marcasite to fill in spaces or shapes within a design, adding an extra pop of sparkle and texture. Marcasite can also be used in place of a precious stone in some pieces, as it is a cheaper alternative and still looks beautiful.
The history of marcasite dates back to the ancients, with large amounts found in the pyrite-rich tombs of the Incas. It was also very popular with the Art Nouveau and Art Deco designers of the early 1900s, with romantic designs revolving around leaves, flowers and butterflies being among the most common. For many years, marcasite would find itself resigned to marcasite jewellery box or selling second hand at flea markets and antique fairs, but with the current trend for metallics, and a desire to reconnect with heritage jewellery styles, it has made a comeback.
What is Genuine Marcasite Jewellery?
Aside from being a classic and timeless choice, the best thing about marcasite jewellery is that it’s really hard to damage. The stones aren’t held in with a clasp or glue, but instead cemented into the silver base sets using a special type of cement. This means that, unlike most gemstones, you can safely wear marcasite with bare skin or with other metals and stones without fear of it falling out.
It is important to note that, just like its sister stone pyrite, marcasite can react with moisture and release sulfuric acid, so should be kept away from water and not worn in the shower or swimming pool. It’s also brittle and should be stored with care, preferably in low humidity conditions and paired with anti-tarnish strips to protect it from oxidising too quickly.
Aside from these points, the main thing to remember when buying marcasite is to be cautious of imitations. It’s not uncommon to see steel replicas on the market, so a quick test can reveal whether or not your item is genuine – simply run a magnet across it: if it sticks, it’s not real marcasite. Alternatively, try a streak test: real marcasite leaves a greenish black streak, while steel produces a blue-black one. If you’re not convinced by either of these methods, just keep your eyes peeled for a 925 silver mark on the base set to be sure you’re getting the real deal!