How Do I Clean and Care For a Marcasite Necklace?

Clean and Care For a Marcasite Necklace

Marcasite is a type of pyrite commonly used in jewelry to produce a sparkling and elegant look. It can be found in a wide variety of shapes and is often set into precious metals such as gold or silver. The stones are quite durable and can withstand a certain amount of wear and tear but they still require proper care to maintain their beauty over time. Luckily, there are a number of simple ways to clean and care for marcasite jewelry at home.

While marcasite is a fairly durable gemstone it is still best to avoid using anything too abrasive when cleaning your jewelry. Marcasite can be delicate and is often embedded in fine silver so you will want to be gentle when polishing it or removing tarnish. Also be careful not to dislodge any marcasite stones in the process of cleaning as they may fall out or become damaged.

When cleaning marcasite necklaces you will need a soft cloth and some warm water. First, gently wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or grime that has built up. This should be done frequently as this will help to prevent any tarnish or dulling from occurring. You will then want to soak your marcasite jewelry in a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Be sure to soak it for no more than a few minutes as soaking for too long can cause the gems to loosen in their settings.

How Do I Clean and Care For a Marcasite Necklace?

Once you have soaked your marcasite jewellery thoroughly it is important to dry it properly before wearing. Ideally, you should leave your jewelry out on a towel to dry both manually and by airing it out on a towel for a few hours before putting it back on. Leaving your marcasite jewellery damp can cause it to lose its luster and it may even begin to oxidize.

Aside from regular cleaning you should be mindful of how you store your marcasite jewellery. This is especially true if you live in a humid climate as humidity can accelerate tarnishing. You should also avoid exposing your marcasite jewellery to chemicals such as hairspray and perfume as these can cause the stones to discolor.

While it is not necessary to have a professional jeweler clean your marcasite jewelry, if you do feel that your piece needs a more thorough cleaning or re-tipping (which involves reshaping prongs so they aren’t catching on hair) then be sure to take it to a professional who will know how to handle it without causing any damage. Moreover, a professional will be able to tell if your marcasite jewelry is in need of repair or replacement so that you can have it fixed as soon as possible.

In conclusion, these 5 simple tips should make it much easier for you to keep your marcasite jewelry looking as beautiful and elegant as ever! So be sure to implement these tips into your routine and you’ll have an amazing piece of jewelry that you can wear for years to come.