Marcasite Jewelry: Antique Look

Many types of marcasite jewlery have been rising in popularity

Marcasite is fairly unique in that it is a metal based mineral which is used like a gemstone. Small pieces of the metal are used, often in a faceted form, and set into many types of jewelery such as pendants, necklaces, earrings, watches, rings, pins and brooches.

Intricate Marcasite Silver Jewelry

Marcasite compliments silver wonderfully and is often set in an intricate pattern. The resulting look is one that is reminiscent of the past. As a matter of fact, the Victorian era used a lot of marcasite based jewelry.

Marcasite Gemstone Jewelry

Many gemstones are successfully used in marcasite jewelry. Because the color of the mineral is fairly neutral, colorful gems both precious and semi-precious can be utilized in the jewelry. Turquoise and onyx are popular gemstones to use, and also amethyst, quartz, mother of pearl, pearls, garnet and many more. Cubic zirconia is also very successfully paired with it, which makes it possible to create very low priced but great looking jewelry pieces.

Marcasite earrings are especially beautiful, and putting them together with a bracelet and necklace makes a finished and coordinated look.

Sometimes pyrite based minerals are called marcasite. The look of the two is very similar, as is the chemical make-up. The crystal structure is different and pyrite is actually much stronger than marcasite. Don’t be too disappointed if your ‘marcasite’ necklace or earrings is actually a form of pyrite. It will be sturdier and most likely last longer.

Relatively Inexpensive Marcasite

Marcasite jewelry can be relatively cheap compared to some other types of antique-looking jewelry. It helps give that tarnished look without the price of actual antiques.

Read other articles on gemstones: Moldavite Gemstone Jewelry . Learn how to make your own jewelry: Making Jewelry with Gemstones .

Last Updated ( Thursday, 26 March 2009 )

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