Iron Pyrite Jewelry

Iron pyrite, also known as "fool's gold" has an interesating history with mankind. Being used at various times in history to spark fire, ignite firearms, (16th and 17th century wheellocks), as a standard aid in paper production, to being proposed as a useful material in solar panal construction currently. Iron pyrite is not only useful, it's also very pretty, in my opinion. And pretty is what jewelry is all about!

Jewerly trends come and go. The precious gemstones, diamonds, rubies, emerald, sapphires, and pearls... have been used in jewelry making for centuries, and remain a lasting fashion statement, as well as an investment in many cases.

Semi precious stones such as topaz, amethyst, garnets, jade and so on, also have a wonderful place in the of world beautiful jewelry. The simple truth is, human beings all through history have adorned themselves with jewelry. Every imaginable material has been used to make jewelry. Jewelry making has always been a great place to think outside the box!

Current fashion trends in jewelry have seen expansion into pieces made with big, bulky, "look at me" stones, in natural, synthetic, and reconstituted materials, to give the wearer a look that really pops. It's fun!

Being able to explore jewelry pieces that might have seemed awkward in previous fashion trends is certainly a freedom worth enjoying! We don't have to stick to any particular style of jewelry. We can wear clay bead necklaces, or stainless steel bracelets. We can wear ruby earrings, or CZ pins. So why not iron pyrite?

http://runabstract.hubpages.com/hub/A-Signature-Stone-or-Jewel

Iron pyrite has a simple cubic structure, which causes it to catch and reflect light. It "sparkles" in a yellow brassy/gold tone that can be very pleasing to the eye. It doesn't require cutting, polishing, or enhancements to make it appealing, or more beautiful. Found in and with other stones, (such as lapis, a relatively rare semi precious stone), iron pyrite enhances the "host" stone's own wonderful hues and textures with the same sparkle that allows it to stand alone in jewelry items.

Iron pyrite is being seen more and more in the fashion jewelry world, not only as a focal point, but also in conjunction with other materials. The only limit to using this really pretty stone is in the imagination of the jewelry maker. And the only limit to wearing it, is in the personal attitude of the wearer.

Iron pyrite is a wonderful stone to use when experimenting with different jewelry making techniques. It can be bezel set, or wire wrapped. It can be drilled and strung as beads. Again, the imagination and creativity of the jewelry maker, wheather professional or weekend hobbist, is the only limit to the look of iron pyrite jewelry.

I am really happy, as a jewelry enthusiast, collector, and maker, to see iron pyrite coming into it's own in the fashion jewelry world! I love my pearls, and my rubies. I love my cut stones and my polished stones. My tigers eyes, and my synthetic pieces. And I love that I can take my iron pyrite off my specimen shelf and put it into jewelry!