most sought-after marcasite necklace designs
Marcasite is a gemstone that has been loved for centuries. Its high shine was appreciated by ancient peoples including Cleopatra and the Incas. People also interpreted the stone as a talisman to protect them against negativity and promote healing.
In the modern world, marcasite is most often combined with sterling silver. This accentuates the silvery luster of this gemstone and creates a more luxurious look. The gem is also popular to pair with black-colored gemstones like onyx, spinel and jet. The combination creates a stunning contrast that harkens back to the Gilded Age. It’s also a favorite to use alongside pearls of all colors from bright white to creamy pastels to darker hues like Bordeaux.
Due to its brittleness, marcasite was not used in large pieces of jewelry until the 1920s when it became popular in Art Deco designs. However, many vintage “marcasite” jewellery actually uses pyrite (or fool’s gold) instead of marcasite necklaces. Pyrite is similar in chemical makeup to marcasite but has a different crystal structure that makes it less brittle. Pyrite is also a much more inexpensive mineral and can be found in mines as well as in older, vintage jewellery.
Authentic marcasite is typically marked with a “M” or an “Mc” to identify it as genuine. It will also have a yellowish sheen. A reputable seller of marcasite will provide authenticity stamps or certificates for each piece of jewellery they sell to confirm that it is indeed the real deal.
What are some of the most sought-after marcasite necklace designs?
Marcasite is a beautiful gemstone that can be worn as a pendant, brooch or ring. Its versatility and affordability make it a great option for creating elegant pieces of jewellery. When choosing a marcasite necklace, consider the style and size that best suits your personal taste. For a more sophisticated look, try a marcasite necklace with an intricate design featuring diamond-shaped marcasite stones. This type of marcasite jewellery is commonly found in vintage jewellery but can be paired with more modern styles as well.
Another classic marcasite necklace style is the swirling pattern of silver-toned marcasite that resembles little ivy leaves. This style is perfect for a romantic evening out or a special occasion like a wedding. It looks particularly gorgeous when paired with purple amethyst, which peeks in and out of the ivy-like marcasite designs.
To ensure you’re getting authentic marcasite, check for rivets that stick out of the base of a marcasite piece of jewellery. These are used to hold the design together and can be spotted with a magnifying glass. Also, check the finish to ensure it has a yellowish sheen that distinguishes it from pyrite or fool’s gold.
The best marcasite jewellery is made with sterling silver. This metal has a warm, golden tone that goes beautifully with marcasite’s natural grey colouring. The silvery shine of the gemstone also complements the sparkle of diamonds and sapphires. This makes it the perfect choice for pairing with those gemstones in a statement necklace.
