Cleaning Marcasite Jewellery

Marcasite Jewellery should only be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution, and then wiped gently with a soft cloth (preferably cotton). To keep the naturally dark areas, be sure to clean it gently. This type of cleaning solution will be fine on whatever stones the jewellery has set within it.

Marcasite definition - the mineral Marcasite is a grey*, lustrous mineral, a sulphide of iron resembling pyrite or common iron pyrites in composition, but differing in form. (* The colour of marcasite ranges from dark grey to almost black regularly with sparks of yellow or gold throughout the stone. As with all natural stones, the colour can vary somewhat.)

What’s in vogue now, as far as silver and marcasite are concerned, is “the vintage” look. Turn of the century to the early 30’s inspired designs mixed with 21st century freshness. It’s a fun and nostalgic blend. Look for it on all fashion divas everywhere!

Take a look at http://www.qtsilver.com/ for lots more items with a 1930's "Vintage" feel/style.

Marcasite Jewellery

Started this blog as the weather is shocking and I was at a loose end.

My blog is going to largely centre around marcasite jewellery - it's history, development of designs over history, etc. etc.

My interest stems from actually selling silver marcasite jewellery myself - through my Ebay shop - http://stores.ebay.co.uk/QT-Silver and more recently through my own website http://www.qtsilver.com/

- would be more than happy to here any comments people have on my site if they get the chance to take a look.

Now I have declared my self-interest I will, for today, just provide some very basic details about actually what marcasite is:

Marcasite is a metallic pale yellow / brass colour mineral and is traditionally set in Stirling Silver creating beautiful, classic jewellery. Cleopatra was known for wearing Marcasite and believed it helped preserve her beauty.Queen Victoria wore Marcasite rather than diamonds for over forty years.Marie Antoinette also showed a strong preference for Marcasite. Marcasite has again risen in popularity in recent years due to its` endearing beauty and stunning value for money.

For a more technical and detailed definition check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcasite

- always a good source of info - although not 100% reliable on some subjects I have found.