Marcasite Vintage & Antique Jewellery For Sale
Marcasite Vintage & Antique Jewellery
Marcasite is a semi-precious gem that has been used for millennia, alongside its chemical twin pyrite. These two stones are similar in colour, appearance and texture. The difference is that marcasite has a shimmering golden shine, while pyrite is silvery in tone. This contrast is what gives marcasite jewellery its distinct look, and it has been a favourite with jewellers since ancient times. Our collection of marcasite vintage & antique jewellery for sale includes rings, necklaces & pendants and earrings, all in sterling silver.
We love marcasite for its elegant and timeless nature. It has a subtle shine that only comes to life if you’re paying attention, and it pairs perfectly with silver, either as an accent or in place of brighter gemstones. It’s not as loud and sparkly as diamonds, but it can still be a beautiful addition to your jewellery box.
The Victorian jewellery era saw marcasite take a big step forward in popularity. This was partly because marcasite is cheaper than other precious gemstones, and was popular amongst the upper and middle classes. It also made a comeback following the death of Prince Albert in 1861, when Queen Victoria entered into a period of mourning that lasted for decades. She opted for marcasite instead of expensive diamonds, as it was more appropriate for her dark outfits.
Marcasite Vintage & Antique Jewellery For Sale
This stunning antique marcasite ring is from the Romantic period of the Victorian era and was designed in repousse metalwork. The ring features an intricate web of marcasite stones clustered together, which is a signature design element of this period. The ring is also decorated with embossed silverwork including flowers, leaves and possibly a passant lion, which is the identifying mark of sterling silver jewellery from this time period. The ring is a size M and the underside of the ring loop displays jewellery markings, possibly an ‘925’ stamp.
In the 1920s marcasite was popular in jewellery with large gemstones, such as sapphires, as it accentuated their shine. This ring from our collection is an example of this style, and combines marcasite with a blue sapphire to create a beautiful combination.
You can care for your marcasite jewellery by avoiding harsh cleaners, such as steel wool, and storing it somewhere that isn’t exposed to moisture. It’s best to avoid storing marcasite in wooden jewellery boxes, as the wood can be corrosive to the delicate stone. If you do need to clean your marcasite, it’s best to use a soft jewellery brush and warm water to gently brush away any dirt or stains.
Another important thing to remember when caring for marcasite is that it’s soft compared to the hardness of silver and diamonds, so it will wear down over time. To extend its lifespan, it’s essential to keep it away from air and moisture as much as possible, as this will help the stones stay in their settings. Always check your marcasite jewellery to make sure the stones are secured properly, and that they don’t seem loose or falling out.