Marcasite Jewelry

July 08, 2023

Marcasite Jewelry has always been a favorite of mine. It gives jewelry the Vintage-look that I like. The sparkle of gems without the high cost and worry that I will look down one day and be horrified that one is missing.

Wikipedia. Marcasite jewelry is jewelry made using cut and polished pieces of pyrite (fool's gold) as gemstone, and not, as the name suggests, from marcasite.

Both pyrite and marcasite are chemically iron sulfide, but differ in their crystal structures, giving them different physical properties. Pyrite is more stable and less brittle than marcasite. Marcasite can also react with moisture to form sulphuric acid. These are the reasons why pyrite is used instead of real marcasite in "marcasite" jewelry.

Marcasite jewelry is frequently made by setting small pieces of faceted pyrite into silver. Cheaper costume jewelry is made by gluing pieces of pyrite rather than setting. A similar-looking type of jewelry can be made from small pieces of cut steel. The cut and polished marcasite pieces reflect light at different angles from its different facets giving it a sparkle.

History. Marcasite jewelry has been made since the time of the Ancient Greeks. It was particularly popular in the eighteenth century, the Victorian era and with Art Nouveau jewelry designers. When diamonds were banned from public display in Switzerland in the 18th century, marcasite, along with cut steel, was turned to as a replacement.

Enhancer. Pink Mother of Pearl set in 925 Sterling Marcasite. Hinged. Value $80. My Price $40. Marcasite is a favorite of mine, it always gives the piece a vintage look, sometimes referred to as ‘Edwardian’ (1901-1915) “ornate, intricate, and flowery. Contributing to this style are the techniques of openwork filigree and fine milgrain introduced during the Edwardian times.” (alohestatejewelry.com “What is the difference between Victorian and Edwardian Jewelry?” On Braided Black Leather Cord Choker. 3mm wide, 20” long. Stainless Steel Secure Clasp. Amazon. $13.49.

Enhancer. Pink Mother of Pearl set in 925 Sterling Marcasite. Hinged. Value $80. My Price $40. On Sterling Collar.

JCM. 925 Sterling. Italy. Eterity Circles, White and Black Cubic Zirconia Pendant Necklace. 19" Value $70 My Price $35

Brooch / Pendant. Large. Marcasite Leaves. Silvery-Gray Rhinestone and Black Jet Flower. About 2" by 2". Value $35 My Price $17.50. Convertible - loop, attach to a chain or cord. This is a heavy-weight brooch; it's layered and is about .25" thick.

Brooch / Pendant. Large. Marcasite Leaves. Silvery-Gray Rhinestone and Black Jet Flower. About 2" by 2". Value $35 My Price $17.50. Convertible - loop, attach to a chain or cord. Worn on a Sterling Chain (18"). Note, the loop appears large but the some of my chain clasp rings didn't fit through it.

Pin. Marcasite Oval Mother of Pearl. About 2" by 1". Value $25. My Price $12.50

Marcasite Dress Duette Clip. About 2.5” by 1” Match. 1940s. Art Deco. $75. My Price $37.50. A combination of two clips on a pin back. Double-clip brooches were first made by Coro, who gave them the name duette. They were very popular from the 1930s-1940s and are wonderful pieces of jewelry - brooches which can be taken apart and the two resultant pieces used as dress clips.