Buying and Caring for Marcasite Jewelry

 

What is marcasite?

The "marcasite" used in jewelry is actually the mineral Pyrite (Iron Sulfite.) These gemstones have a metallic luster which makes them sparkle like tiny diamonds when light reflects off their facets.
More about marcasite, the mineral

Sterling silver settings are common, and marcasites are often used to lend a vintage-inspired accent to amethyst, garnet, topaz, pearls, onyx, or other colored stones.

Is marcasite suitable for everyday wear?

Yes!. But be cautious with marcasite rings as the stones can be loosened or accidently pried from their settings on impact with hard or rough surfaces.

What other stones are similar to marcasite?

Hematite is another gem stone with a metallic luster. Black diamonds or champagne diamonds can be used to create a similar look.

Is marcasite a treated stone?

No - it is faceted in its natural state and is not treated or artificially enhanced.

How is marcasite cut?

Marcasite's tiny crystals are most commonly faceted in a rose cut - a simple gemstone cut where the base of the stone is flat and unfaceted and the top is fashioned into one or two rows of triangular facets - arranged in such a manner that the top/center of the stone comes to a point (like a rosebud).

How do I know if the marcasites are genuine?

Marcasite is an inexpensive stone, so while imitations can be found in cheap costume jewelry, they tend to be unconvincing on close inspection. If it looks like marcasite, it's probably real marcasite.

In recent years, some sterling silver bridge jewelry (a term used to refer to inexpensive jewelry mass produced but using genuine gemstones and precious metals) has settings which are cast in such a way that they have areas of patterned silver, resembling pave diamonds or marcasites. Again, this is obvious if you look closely at the piece, especially with a loupe or magnifying glass.

What should I look for when buying marcasite jewelry?

First of all, examine it closely to make sure none of the stones are missing or loose. In better quality marcasite jewelry, the stones are either prong set (held in place by tiny prongs), bead set (small "beads" of metal in the setting are pushed up to secure the stones) or bezel set (a collar of metal in the setting surrounds the stone and holds it in place. These are the most secure ways to hold the stones in place, and the same methods used to set precious gem stones ("pave" diamonds are bead set). On cheaper and poorer quality items, marcasites might be simply glued in place.

How can you tell authentic antique marcasite pieces from replicas and reproductions?

Separating genuine antiques from reproductions can be a tricky business! Marcasite tends to tarnish with age, well-worn sterling settings acquire a patina, and crevices in the silver will darken, but these characteristics can also simulated in brand new, "vintage look" pieces.. Hallmarks and stamps (or the lack of them) may provide important clues, but again aren't foolproof.

My best advice is to seek out sellers with a good reputation who are knowledgeable about antique jewelry. Online, sellers who specialize in vintage jewelry are more likely to accurately spot a fake than those who sell a variety of general estate items. Original owners may know the background of a particular piece of jewelry they are selling - when in doubt, ask questions before you buy.

What else should I look for when buying vintage or antique marcasite jewelry?

When buying vintage or antique jewelry, you should always look for missing or loose stones, make sure any clasps work properly,, and get a feel for the piece's overall quality of construction. Also look for hallmarks and manufacturer's marks as these provide valuable information about the age and origin of the item.

Does marcasite require any special care?

Very little, but you should avoid sources of high heat or nitric acid as these things can damage the stones.

What's the best way to clean marcasite jewelry?

Marcasite is a stable and durable stone which can be safely be cleaned in ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners or warm soapy water without damaging the stone itself. However, some of these methods may loosen the stones from fragile settings. Warm soapy water and a soft brush is the safest way to clean marcasite jewelry. Always examine the piece for stones which may be coming loose before and after cleaning - especially if the stones are glued into the setting.