Marcasite Earrings: Know the Truth
What is the real score about marcasite earrings? Is the material really marcasite or something else?
Marcasite Jewelry: What They Really Are
A lot of people, especially jewelers, consider marcasite and pyrite to be the same. They are not. Marcasite is derived from iron sulphite while pyrite, sometimes known as fool’s gold, is from iron sulphide.
The color of marcasite is usually white or yellow. It can tarnish to something brown and can give off a metallic luster. The crystals are flat and tabular. Marcasites are formed in sedimentary rocks when the temperature is low and the environment is acidic.
Marcasites and pyrites have been used interchangeably for many years because they share almost the same characteristics except for some, such as durability.
You can never create any jewelry out of real marcasites since they disintegrate. When the environment they are in is filled with bacteria, they slowly deteriorate until they turn into white powder. They are also extremely brittle. Once you hammer them, they will break.
Thus, those marcasite earrings sold in the market today are not really marcasites but pyrites.
Wearing marcasite jewelry has been a custom for hundreds of years, since the time of the ancient Greeks. The material became even more in demand during the Victorian period in the eighteenth century. Antique marcasite jewelry pieces can feature art nouveau patterns.
The Versatile Marcasite Earrings
Marcasite—or, in reality, pyrite—is a very versatile material. It can be fashioned into almost any kind of earring. Hence, you have plenty of choices.
Marcasite earrings can be dangle. You have marcasite chandelier earrings, drop earrings, and marcasite hoop earrings.
If you want something simple, go for the drop earring. On the other hand, if you are looking for something grand, there is a pair of chandelier earrings with marcasite. The hoop earrings, meanwhile, can complement your casual getup.
The dangles can be very long, reaching up to the shoulders or beyond, or short, just a little off the earlobe.
Other options include stud marcasite earrings. They can be worn by means of a screwback or leverback. You can also look for a pair of clip-on earrings, especially if you do not have any ear hole.
The marcasite can be combined with other well-known earring materials such as precious gemstones and crystals. You can add some large onyx or a heart shaped diamond to make the earrings sparkle. There are also marcasite pearl earrings.
The sterling silver marcasite earrings are modern and can be worn by men, particularly if they are huggies or studs. They are also ideal for those who are searching for hypoallergenic earrings.
How to Shop for Marcasite Earrings
Buying a pair of marcasite earrings should be a very pleasant experience. Therefore, look for a trusted seller. It is not enough the jeweler offers a wide range of designs. You should also be provided with a money-back guarantee just in case the pair is not exactly what you are looking for.
Also select a style you will love to wear. After all, jewelry should be used to express oneself.
