Marcasite in Contemporary Epoch
Marcasite these days is in mishmash with sterling silver and other stones of convoluted designs. Both these minerals are used in making jewelry that offers nature stimulated designs in forms of butterflies, dragons and griffins. Marcasite is now used to create "epoch style" where tradition is altered to make trendy designs.
Marcasite in permutation with sterling silver is now used in a wide range of jewelry items like silver rings, silver bracelets, silver earrings, silver necklaces and silver chains. This has enabled the women folk to show off and take pleasure in antique jewelry. Silver rings and silver bracelets made of sterling silver with the addition of marcasite are in more demand as it is less expensive than traditional gold jewelry. The women now have the power to have an exclusive piece of silver jewelry for every occasion and apparels. Women have become all the more jewelry conscious as it is now easily accessible.
How it came into being
Marcasite mineral is also known as white iron pyrite which is used in the finishing of the jewelry. It is fragile and is lighter than the pyrite mineral. Its brittleness is due to its unstable crystal configuration. Marcasite is the improper term used for pyrite, as it is never used as the nugget. It can be twisted as both a primary and secondary mineral. As primary mineral it forms nodules, concretions and crystals in many sedimentary rocks. As a secondary mineral, it is formed by chemical alterations of primary minerals. It is generally found in pale yellow color and has a dazzling metallic sheen. When tarnished, it gives a black flash. Because of its appearance, it is often termed as a 'false friend of gold'.
Marcasites' Traditional Use
Marcastite jewelry became popular in the era of Queen Victoria. Its black color blended flawlessly with the somber clothing wore by the women of that period. Marcasite was even used in combination with the ivory. It had the status of pagan metal which is believed to have the aptitude of opposing the impact of negative energy on the individual. It was fitted in the silver ring or silver bracelet of the person who wanted to get relived off the evil effects.
Caring and Cleaning of Marcasite
Marcasite is fixed by the jeweler by great care in the sterling silver with the special jewelry cement. This means that it requires special and vigilant handling. There are few tips that should be followed to maintain your Marcasite jewelry. These are as follows:
- Should be wiped and dried gently with the soft and damp cloth.
- Only meek cleansing agents should be used.
- Exposure to chemicals, harsh cleansing agents and extreme heat ought to be prevented.
- Its wear while doing household work should be avoided as it corrodes in air and due to salt.
- It is a delicate mineral that gets spoilt if it is not handled properly.
Marcasite is frequently used these days in making silver jewelry, especially silver rings and silver bracelets. Many times, it is used in replacement of diamonds.
Sarah Carnagie is a silver jewelry enthusiast, and DreamlandJewelry.com's head of Product Selection for Sterling Silver Marcasite Jewelry. You can find more info on Marcasite Jewelry and marcasite rings at DreamlandJewelry.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Carnagie
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