Handy Tips for How to Clean Marcasite Jewelry
Keeping your jewelry clean is the best and most proper maintenance to keep it looking its best. Here are some tips on how to clean marcasite jewelry.
Keyword(s): how to clean marcasite
Marcasite jewelry is breathtaking, but it will start to tarnish or dim if you don't take care of it.
But cleaning marcasite is a delicate job. If you aren't careful, you can end up damaging your jewelry. So what's the right way to clean marcasite?
We'll walk you through the process of how to clean marcasite jewelry, along with tips for storage and maintenance.
So keep reading below.
How to Clean Marcasite Jewelry
If you use the wrong cleaners or tools to wash your marcasite jewelry, you could end up damaging your piece. Make sure you have enough time to scrub your jewelry, dry, it, and polish it in one sitting.
This will take some detail work to get into tight spaces, so don't rush through it.
Here's a six-step guide to cleaning your marcasite jewelry.
1. Prepare Your Workstation
Before you gather your marcasite jewelry pieces, spend a few minutes setting up your workstation. Having everything you need on hand will make the cleaning process faster and easier.
You should work on a flat surface that gets plenty of light. Make sure this surface is clean, otherwise you won't be doing your jewelry much of a favor. It's a good idea to spread a towel over the surface to catch any water drops or spills.
If your marcasite jewelry is set in silver, you might want to wear nitrile or latex gloves. This will prevent any fingerprints or smudges from stick to the jewelry's surface.
Get a soft cloth and a toothbrush. These will be your main cleaning tools.
2. Prepare Your Water
Don't use any chemicals, cleaners, or silver dips on your jewelry. Marcasite is fragile, and these could damage it. In some cases, they can deteriorate the glue that holds the setting in place, which can make the jewelry piece fall apart.
It's best to stick with lukewarm water.
You can use a light dish soap to clean your marcasite as well. But don't use anything stronger than that. If you choose to use soap, you can mix a small amount in with the water.
But you should try avoiding soap of any kind if you can.
3. Gently Scrub the Jewelry
Don't dunk or soak your marcasite jewelry in the water. While you can get away with this for simple marcasite pieces, you'll want to keep the jewelry out of the water if it has any emeralds or pearls.
Instead, dip your toothbrush in the water and use it to gently scrub the jewelry.
Remember, marcasite is delicate. Try to find a soft bristle toothbrush, such as a "baby's first toothbrush." You can also use a soft cloth if you don't have a clean toothbrush.
Be careful when you're scrubbing. You don't want to dislodge the stones.
4. Dry with a Soft Cloth
Dry the jewelry piece with your soft cloth, or a second if you used a cloth to scrub the marcasite.
You'll want to do this right away. Make sure you get any water trapped between the stones or inside the slots.
5. Polish with a Silver Cloth
Once the jewelry is dry, take a silver cloth and rub it over the marcasite. This will polish the surface, remove smudges, and make it shine.
Don't use a silver cloth if your marcasite isn't set in silver.
6. Let Dry Overnight
Even though you've already dried it, leave your marcasite jewelry out to finish drying overnight. This will take care of any remaining water you couldn't get off on your own.
How to Store Marcasite Jewelry
Once you're done cleaning your marcasite jewelry, you have to make sure you store it right. Leaving this type of jewelry in the wrong place can cause it to scratch or blemish.
And if that happens, cleaning won't make much of a difference.
Here are a few tips that'll help you store your marcasite jewelry and keep it in good condition.
Pick the Right Location
Keep your jewelry away from moisture or light. Too much of either of these things can cause the silver to tarnish. The location should also be clean. This will keep your marcasite free of dirt or grime the next time you want to put it on.
Don't Use Wood
You'll want to think twice before putting your marcasite in your wooden jewelry box. Wood contains acid that can cause the surface of your marcasite to scar.
Never leave this jewelry on any kind of bare wood.
You should also avoid putting it on paper or cardboard. Both of these materials are pulp products, so they can have a similar effect on your marcasite.
Don't Put All Your Jewelry Together
Storing all your marcasite jewelry together can result in scratched pieces. A good way to do this is with compartment dividers or small plastic containers.
If you can't store them in different locations, at least wrap each individual piece in cloth.
How to Care for Your Marcasite Jewelry
Knowing how to clean and store your marcasite jewelry is important knowledge to have. But your jewelry will last longer if you know how to take care of it during the day as well.
This tips will help you protect your marcasite jewelry on a day to day basis.
Remove Marcasite Jewelry When Washing Your Hands
If you submerge your marcasite underwater, it can dissolve the jeweler's cement that holds everything together.
It's easier to take your jewelry off before washing your hands instead of trying to repair it later.
Inspect Each Piece
You should inspect your marcasite jewelry ever so often to get a better idea of its condition. If you notice dirt building up along the edges of the marcasite, it's time to clean it.
Reattach the Stones with Epoxy Glue
If some of your marcasite stones do fall off, there is a way to reattach them.
Dab a bit of epoxy glue where the stone fell off. Before the glue dried, adjust the stone back into place. Allow the jewelry to dry overnight before wearing it again.
Taking Care of Your Marcasite Jewelry
Cleaning, storing, and maintaining your marcasite jewelry will make it look better and last longer. Taking care of this type of jewelry isn't hard, but because marcasite is delicate, it does take some time.
Knowing how to clean marcasite keeps it in great shape for a long time.
Did you know marcasite jewelry has healing powers? Don't believe us? Make sure you check out this post all about marcasite.
