6 Pro Tips for Buying Marcasite Jewelry Online in 2022

Marcasite dates back to the time of the Incas. Along with pyrite, large quantities of marcasite jewelry have been found in Incan burial chambers. The Incans also used marcasite to adorn plates and mirrors.

Fast forward a few centuries to Victorian England. Queen Victoria was responsible for making marcasite jewelry famous when she wore it as a substitute for more expensive diamond jewelry. Since the common man was also unable to afford diamond jewelry, it soon became a popular substitute among them as well.

Today, marcasite is all over the jewelry market. Its unique appearance and unusual iridescence have made it highly sought after. Before you can buy marcasite online, it is important to first understand what it is. Marcasite is a semi-precious stone that is brittle, hard, brassy yellow, has a metallic sheen, and is opaque. It is a gem that is made up of small crystals and is quite rare.

Here’s everything you need to know about marcasite and jewelry made using this gemstone.

What is good quality marcasite?

In the past, marcasite may have been popular for being inexpensive yet beautiful. However, today marcasite jewelry is regarded for its ability to be molded into complex designs. If you want to spot good quality marcasite, here are some things you should look at:

  • Magnetism – A simple test is to hold a magnet to the stone and see if it sticks. If you find that it doesn’t, your marcasite is authentic.
  • Rivets – Authentic marcasite jewelry will have rivets sticking into the base of the piece to hold the design together. You can flip the jewelry over to look for these rivets to confirm its authenticity.
  • Finish – Marcasite has a distinct yellowish sheen that is reflected in different ways when light hits it. If any non-magnetic item is posing as marcasite, it can be easily caught under a microscope or magnifying glass upon proper inspection.

But what do you do if you want to purchase your marcasite jewelry online? Well, here are 6 pro tips to help you get the best possible piece:

  1. Style – Vintage vs. modern

When you start looking for the perfect piece, you must first decide on the style that you like. You can choose between vintage marcasite jewelry or something that is more modern. Either way, once you have that narrowed down, the selection process is that much easier.

  1. Setting

The setting of the stones in the jewelry is the next thing to look at. Back in the day, marcasite stones were set into the metal with tiny claws to hold them in place. Not only did these claws make the stones secure, but they also added intricate detailing to the piece which in turn enhanced its overall beauty.

As you can imagine, this was a painful and time-consuming process. Today, marcasite stones are set in jewelry using glue. While this is a more efficient way to make the jewelry, it does not secure the stones quite as well as metal claws would. So, if you want your marcasite jewelry to stand the test of time, we would suggest picking pieces that are made with the claws or prongs rather than those that are glued in to the metal.

  1. Design

Beautiful as marcasite is, there are some styles and designs of marcasite jewelry that are truly more breathtaking than others. For one, silver-colored metal best compliments this stone, so it is advisable to go for marcasite set in white gold, silver, or platinum. Second, due its unique reflective qualities, smaller black stones interspersed with marcasite in any piece of jewelry tend to enhance the overall beauty of the piece. Pearls are also a great companion to marcasite. Black, white, and silver are colors that go with everything. So, if you want to be able to flaunt your brand-new marcasite jewelry, these colors are the best way to go.

  1. Price

The price range of marcasite jewelry varies based on the style, cut, and size of the gems used. While we don’t recommend you emptying out your pockets to buy the perfect piece, we also don’t want you to end up with something too cheap. Finding a gorgeous piece of marcasite jewelry in a medium price range will leave you happier and satisfied with your purchase.

  1. Return Policy

Remember, you are buying online. Things may not look as they do on the website when you finally see them in person. Even if you do all the research and pick the perfect piece, you may not like the look of it when it finally arrives at your doorstep. For this, it is important to first check the return policy on the item you want to purchase before you go ahead and buy it.

  1. Seller’s reputation – Authenticity certificate

When buying anything online, it is advisable to go with a seller who has a good reputation. Read as many customer reviews as possible and do your due diligence before deciding on a seller. Especially if you are buying wholesale marcasite jewelry, you need to be able to trust the seller. Most well-respected marcasite jewelry sellers will provide you with authenticity stamps or certificates for all their jewelry offerings. This will let you know that what you have purchased is true to its name.

P&K Jewelry can help with all your marcasite jewelry needs – whether it is wholesale sterling silver bangles or anything else, we have a range of options to choose from, at honest prices and quality assurance. Explore our collection today and take your pick!

7 Things You Must Know About Marcasite Jewelry

Ever wondered why people love darker things? Their sheer enigma, mystery, and peculiarity are responsible for generating curiosity and interest in the human mind. It is no surprise then that the world of fashion feels a strong presence of darker shades and tones – whether you look at outfits, makeup, accessories, or jewelry.

Here’s looking at marcasite – a stone that is as enigmatic, mysterious, and peculiar as it gets – and what you should know before you buy it.

7 Amazing Facts About Marcasite Jewelry That You Must Know

Let’s dive right into it and find out what makes marcasite such a special stone and why marcasite jewelry has grown from strength to strength from the time of the Ancient Greeks to today.

  1. Pyrite and Marcasite Are Two Different Things

People often make the mistake of confusing pyrite, more popularly referred to as “Fool’s Gold,” with marcasite. Yes, they have similar physical properties and might even appear to be the same, but in reality, marcasite is paler in comparison to pyrite. In fact, you might come across jewelers or jewelry websites referring to marcasite as “white iron pyrite.”

  1. Marcasite Stones Are Incredibly Difficult to Work With

Compared to other gemstones, marcasite is quite hard to work with in terms of shaping them for jewelry purposes because they don’t break apart in an even, consistent way. While the old-world charm and low-cost nature of the stone make it a popular choice for jewelry shoppers, it is a gemstone that is immensely difficult to manipulate and hence, needs to be handled with care during the jewelry making process. 

  1. The Spiritual Connect

Some people believe that marcasite stones have the innate and uncanny ability to drive negative energies away and connect you to the spiritual world. In some countries, spiritual gurus recommend people to wear the stone on a ring because of the positive vibes it exudes.

  1. Marcasite for Mental Wellbeing

Just like the spiritual connect, the stone is also said to have unbelievably strong healing powers that could help you go into a meditative state, introspect, and alleviate mental fatigue. While there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, a lot of cultures strongly believe in these things.

  1. Can Jewelry Inspire Creativity?

According to some experts, there is a very strong connection between art and marcasite. In fact, some artists claim that the stone inspires creativity and spreads positive vibes which are considered essential to create art. This inexplicable connect between marcasite, art, and architecture can be attributed to its metaphysical properties.

  1. The History of Marcasite Jewelry

According to archeological findings, the origins and usage of marcasite jewelry can be tracked back to the ancient Greek civilizations. Greeks are believed to be the pioneers in this regard, while the Incas of Southern America used marcasite stones in a wide assortment of items, including decorative showpieces and jewelry. Marcasite jewelry gained immense popularity and became a mainstream concept in the Victorian era. It was considered to be an understated alternative to opulent jewelry pieces that flaunted massive diamonds or other colorful stones. In many cultures, authentic marcasite stones or marcasite jewelry has been passed from generation to generation as an heirloom.

  1. As Versatile As It Gets

The best thing about marcasite jewelry is the fact that it is so versatile. It goes with just about any kind of outfit – formal, casual, semi-formal, ethnic… the list just goes on. Its breathtaking aesthetic appeal makes it the perfect fit for any special occasion. So, whether it is a date night, a red-carpet event, or a poolside cocktail party, you can rest assured you will find marcasite jewelry that seamlessly complements your attire, mood, and occasion! 

Today, marcasite or what 19th century miners called crystallized pyrite is a trending gemstone that stands out from the rest. Marcasite is a raging hit in regions like China, Greece, Egypt, South America, and North America.

A stone that has slowly but steadily gained recognition and widespread acceptance in jewelry and fashion circles around the globe, marcasite is used by jewelry makers to craft a range of items, including:   

  • Marcasite earrings
  • Marcasite bracelets
  • Marcasite pendants
  • Marcasite necklaces
  • Marcasite rings
  • Marcasite bangles
  • Marcasite wristwatches

Where to Buy High-Quality Marcasite Jewelry From?

Sourcing your jewelry from the right place can make a world of a difference. Whether you are a wholesale buyer or a retail customer, P&K Jewelry is the preferred jewelry partner for an illustrious list of clients. Founded in 1995, we have become one of the world’s largest and most trusted sources for sterling silver and wholesale marcasite jewelry.

Our massive selection of versatile marcasite jewelry includes all the things mentioned above (and more!). Designed using the highest quality of marcasite stones and topnotch sterling silver as the base metal, our collection features rings, earrings, bangles, bracelets, pendants, and necklaces that you will instantly fall in love with. You can even buy matching marcasite jewelry sets or discover intricate designs that are made using a combination of marcasite and other colored gemstones, cubic zirconia (CZ), or pearls.

Check out P&K Jewelry’s extensive catalog of marcasite jewelry (available in wholesale) now!

Your Quick Guide to Marcasite Jewelry

What makes jewelry really fascinating is the fact that it comes in so many different forms, shapes, materials, sizes, designs, and varieties. An often less-discussed type of jewelry is marcasite jewelry and we, at P&K Jewelry, absolutely adore this form from the bottom of our hearts.

So, whether you know a bit about it or are completely unfamiliar with the term, here’s looking at some key aspects of marcasite jewelry, frequently asked questions about marcasite stones, and where you can buy high-quality marcasite jewelry from.

What is Marcasite Jewelry?

Any piece of jewelry made from the brittle stone called pyrite (a green-yellow, dark grey, or brassy-colored metallic stone) can be referred to as marcasite jewelry. However, by definition, marcasite is different from pyrite as a stone.

Marcasite is a granular gemstone that doesn’t have a refractive index and is quite brittle in nature – its hardness on the Mohs scale ranges between 6 and 6.5. It is a semi-precious reflective stone that stands out from the rest because of its stained-glass-like shine. Marcasite is orthorhombic in terms of its shape, with a pyramid-like structure.

Pyrite Vs. Marcasite – What’s the Difference Between the Two?

Pyrite, or “Fool’s gold,” is often confused with marcasite because they are similar in terms of appearance and physical characteristics. Marcasite is actually quite pale compared to pyrite and is often referred to as “white iron pyrite.”

Is Marcasite Jewelry Rare?

Marcasite has been a favorite gemstone for jewelers through the ages and its origins can be traced all the way back to the time of the ancient Greeks. Marcasite jewelry is a rare these days, but that’s not to say that it has lost its charm and popularity. In fact, its distinct look and uncommon appeal can really make you stand out in a crowd.

Where is Marcasite Found and Mined?

This opaque gemstone generally forms at low temperatures – if you are lucky, you might even stumble upon natural marcasite in a nondescript cave somewhere! It occurs naturally and abundantly in European countries like Austria, Bolivia, Czech Republic, Germany, England, and France; South American nations like Peru, and North American countries including Mexico and the United States (Kansas, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Illinois).

10 Interesting Facts About Marcasite Jewelry

You are likely to find tons of articles and guides that discuss various gemstones, including diamonds, rubies, cubic zirconia (CZ), emeralds, sapphires, pearls, and the like. However, marcasite is rarely discussed as a mainstream gemstone – even though it is one. Here’s looking at some fascinating facts about marcasite:

  1. Marcasite stones are harder to work with, given their inability to break apart in an even manner
  2. The stone is considered to have meditative and healing powers that aid introspection
  3. Marcasite is believed to have the ability to connect an individual to the spiritual world
  4. Various people from the world of art believe that the stone inspires creativity
  5. Marcasite jewelry exudes positive vibes and is said to push negative energy away
  6. Some naturopaths reckon the stone can help ward off mental fatigue
  7. Ancient Greeks are believed to be the pioneers of marcasite jewelry
  8. The Incas (South America) used the stone to create a variety of decorative items
  9. Marcasite jewelry was immensely popular in the Victorian era
  10. Miners in the 19th century called crystallized pyrite “marcasite”

Marcasite Jewelry Pairing and Styling Ideas

While there are no fixed rules around how you should wear your clothes, jewelry, and other accessories, it is important that you know what really works. Here are some outfit-and-jewelry pairing ideas (specific to marcasite jewelry):

  • The darkish color of a marcasite stone means that you can pair it with any light-colored solid outfit
  • A marcasite necklace looks great with formal attires, including shirts, skirts, and dresses
  • Wear a tee inside a buttoned-down casual shirt and shorts and top it up with a chunky necklace for that easy-breezy look
  • Marcasite pendants and matching earrings look fantastic when paired with evening gowns or black dresses
  • Statement necklaces with casual tees and denims look absolutely stunning and create a bold look
  • Marcasite necklaces look great with leather jackets, too, especially if you’re wearing a white tee or shirt inside

Where to Buy Quality Marcasite Jewelry (Wholesale)

The key to ensuring the highest quality of jewelry is finding the right place to buy it from. Whether you are a retail customer or a dealer who is looking for wholesale deals, P&K Jewelry is the right place for your jewelry needs. We flaunt a huge selection of versatile marcasite jewelry, including:

  • Marcasite rings
  • Marcasite earrings
  • Marcasite bracelets
  • Marcasite pendants
  • Marcasite necklaces
  • Marcasite bangles
  • Marcasite wristwatches
  • Marcasite jewelry sets

All our marcasite jewelry pieces are designed in combination with sterling silver as the base metal. You can also explore designs that feature other gemstones studded along with marcasite stones. Browse through our extensive catalog of marcasite jewelry (available in wholesale) now!

Why a marcasite ring is always the best choice to buy

Looking for a statement piece that never goes out of style? A marcasite ring is always the best choice to buy.

If you have not heard of marcasite before, it’s the time that you do. Marcasite is the most unique and elegant material used to make different products like jewelry and ornaments. This beautiful stone looks excellent as a pair of marcasite earrings, a necklace, or a marcasite ring. It is one of the highest durable jewelry hence it is quite stunning for its more splendid appearance.

Take a look at our following guide on why every lady must have a piece of marcasite jewelry in her collection.

What is marcasite jewelry?

Any jewelry piece that is made out of brittle, brassy colored metallic stone known as pyrite (Fool’s gold) is called a marcasite jewelry. Marcasite itself is a granular stone which has low hardness and a very distinct cleavage.

It was in the 18th and 19th centuries when marcasite jewelry entered its golden age in the world. In the Victorian era, marcasite jewelry was made famous by Queen Victoria, who has worn it as a substitute for expensive diamond jewelry.

And since most people cannot afford diamond jewelry either, marcasite quickly becomes famous throughout the masses. Today it’s a well-known gem among jewelers who continue to make marcasite earrings, rings and necklaces pairs, and bracelets.

With proper care of any marcasite item you buy, it will last throughout the years as an integral part of your jewelry collection.

The fantastic power of marcasite

Marcasite is the natural and elegant gemstone, and it is derived from the natural mineral known as ‘pyrite’. The pyrite is available in all parts of the world, but it requires highly professional cutting technology to give the most pleasing look to the maximum. The Marcasite rings are made from the elegant and fashionable gemstone and act as the personal adornments in ancient times. Marcasite has the power to:

  • Discharge the negative energy.
  • Improve a person’s communication abilities.
  • Protect individuals

The benefits of buying marcasite

The question of why to buy marcasite over diamonds or other gemstones might come to your mind? Read on the benefits.

For starters, the marcasite stone is easy to manipulate. It allows jewelers to make lovely designs with ease as intricate shapes and delicate lines that various marcasite ring collections display.

Also, it is a fairly simple stone to go with. Low maintenance is required. Take care of a few things like don’t swim or shower with your marcasite ring on, and be careful of sweating too much. Also, it’s not fair to wear jewelry while doing sports anyway.

Another benefit of marcasite is how it shines when it catches the light and how easy it is to access it. To find this beautiful stone, you don’t have to look hard.

Marcasite works magic when you combine it with sterling silver, and this fantastic combination is trendy among most jewelry lovers. It also goes well with other white metals like stainless steel. Hence with the metal, you enjoy the ease of combinations.

Hence when you do come to a marcasite ring you like, you must know how to style it!

Different ways to style a marcasite ring

Like any piece of jewelry, the real beauty of a marcasite ring depends on how you wear it. Any item you see looks stunning while on display, but it needs to look just great with whatever you are wearing.

Following are some styling tips to follow for all kinds of functions:

As a casual detail: 

If your go-to look is a chunky jean and a check shirt or is just going to wear a simple dress for a day outing, slide on a marcasite ring or two. This is a little touch that could make a big difference.

There’s a certain effortless, timeless feel with casual fashion. One can never go wrong with your favorite pair of classic jeans or that top of yours that fit well as always. But if you already know these items will look great, you must try to make them look even better.

That is what a piece of marcasite jewelry can do. A

A simple touch of marcasite ring will make your whole outfit stand out.

As a stylish statement piece:

Want to stand out of the crowd? Then don’t leave your marcasite ring at home if you wish to make an excellent appearance.

Ensure to wear your new piece of marcasite whenever you have the next special event to attend. Everyone will be praising the accessory, and this will surely gather the attention of the people around you.

Marcasite rings allow you to express your complete emotions through imaginations and designs.

Anywhere and everywhere 

Whether you are going out for a date night or heading to work and dropping the kids off, there is never a wrong time to wear your marcasite jewelry. This beautiful gem goes with all kinds of colors and patterns you love to sport on your clothing, handbags and shoes.

You can dress it in your way, depending on how much of a statement you wish to make that day. You cannot go wrong with a marcasite ring, but all you have to do is check the right look that suits your style.

Conclusion:

Can’t wait to get your first statement piece by using this beautiful material. Have a look at our collection of marcasite jewelry and fall in love. Marcasite jewelry is a trend which you cannot miss out.

Upgrade your entire jewelry collection by buying a marcasite ring wholesaleBecause when you purchase pieces in wholesale, you can save your money. This will ooze elegance and timeless beauty to your style and adds a dash of style to your outfit.

You can never go wrong when shopping with us. Don’t think much and browse our collection of all kinds of rings. Happy shopping!

Top 5 Ways To Clean Your Marcasite Jewelry

Marcasite Jewelry

Marcasite jewels are any jewel made of fragile and colored metallic stone called pyrite. Pyrite is a gem very similar to gold, but it can also be darker and more metallic than marcasite. When small pieces are inserted into silver jewelry, the Marcasite style is created. Today in the world of stylish jewelry, marcasite jewelry is widely regarded as one of the favorite types of jewelry for its beautiful and intricate designs.

While there is no dearth of choices in the physical as well as online marketplaces when it comes to marcasite jewelry, there isn’t enough “reliable” information available around how to clean marcasite jewelry and ensure it always look as good as new. No matter how carefully you wear your accessories, some degree of natural wear and tear is going to happen over a period of time. Add to that the dust, dirt, and grime that tends to accumulate in little crevices and gaps, and you have yourself a small challenge at hand. Have you been looking for tips on how to clean old marcasite jewelry? If yes, read on as we put together 5 super easy ways to do so.

First thing first. You should check your marcasite jewelry often enough to get a better idea of ​​its condition. If you notice dirt collecting on the edge, it’s time to clean it. The key to manage Marcasite jewelry is knowing how to store, wear and clean it properly. The best way to prevent rusting and preserve the shiny appearance of your jewel is to keep the marcasite jewelry in a sealed bag when it is not in use. This limits exposure to oxygen and sulfur in the air. To avoid discoloration, always remove marcasite jewelry before applying cosmetics, getting into the pool, or doing activities like gyming and dancing. For someone who doesn’t want to do cleaning stuff, you can purchase marcasite jewelry from wholesale shops. They guarantee the quality of the jewelry and offer unlimited design options.

Marcasite jewelry deserves special attention from time to time, so follow our advice to ensure that it remains beautiful and shiny:-

1. Toothbrush and Toothpaste

There are different ways to clean your marcasite jewelry with the products you can find at home. Apply toothpaste to the toothbrush, as you do before brushing your teeth and then wipe the dirt from the jewelry. Toothpaste contains chloride and other substances that are effective enough to clean without spoiling the original color of the jewelry. Gently clean the marcasite jewelry with a soft, damp cloth. Never use hot water and avoid soaps, detergents, silver baths or other chemicals. This type of jewelry is fragile, if a hard substance is used or if there is too much acid, this can ruin it instead of making it new again. Using your regular toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush is an easy, affordable, and hassle-free way to ensure that your marcasite jewelry stays sparkling clean. Make sure your jewelry is completely dry before you wear it again or store it in a cool, dry place

2. Cotton Cloth

A simple plan to keep your marcasite jewelry beautiful is to soak it once or twice a week in a delicate degreasing solution, such as water with a few drops of dish wash. After removing the jewelry from the cleaning solution, use a soft, clean cotton cloth to remove residual dirt. Marcasite Jewelry cleaning needs a softer touch, hence nothing is better than clean cotton cloth. Although soap and other detergents do not damage the marcasite, they can melt the glue that holds the setting in place. So, make sure you do not use harsh products to clean it. Using a soft cotton or microfiber cloth to gently wipe your jewelry is a great way to clean it, especially if you wear the jewelry regularly.

3. Baking Soda

Make a paste with baking soda and water, place a small amount on your tarnish Jewelry and gently rub it using your fingertips. Rub your fingers on the jewelry surface in a circular motion. Then clean it with normal water and you can see changes in the jewelry. It becomes bright and comes to its original color.

Please note that cleaning Marcasite Jewelry is the key to regular cleaning to prevent misting during regular usage. Your work becomes more difficult if you leave the dirt to accumulate a lot and then suddenly try to remove it.

4. Vinegar

Soak your Marcasite jewelry in the solution of water and 5-6 teaspoon of vinegar. After a couple of hours, you would notice that the dirt is assembling under the pot. Make sure there is enough water in the pan to completely cover the pieces of jewelry. At last, wipe the jewelry with a soft cloth to remove water and lay them in the air until they dry completely. This is another really simple DIY way to get rid of any dirt or grime that may have built up over a substantial period of time.

5. Silver Cleaning Cloth

You can buy ultra-thin silver cleaning cloth from the supermarket and use it to simply shine up your Marcasite Jewelry without losing its natural character. Although these clothes are meant for silver jewelry it works the same for Marcasite Jewelry as well. You can scrub this cloth on your jewelry to remove dirt and oil. This is the most convenient way to clean your jewelry without doing any mess or fuss.

We hope this article answers your question and shows you ample ways of how to clean marcasite and silver jewelry. While these are all great home remedies, we strongly recommend visiting a specialist jeweler to ensure the proper maintenance and upkeep of your jewelry items from time to time. Ideally, your silver, gold, diamond, and marcasite jewelry must be cleaned and polished by a professional jeweler every few months. Follow these simple tips to keep your marcasite jewelry sparkling clean at all times!