Fool’s Gold

Pyrite is the most common of the sulphide minerals.  Named from the Greek pyrites “in fire” because it would often create sparks when struck against metal, it is an iron sulphide with the chemical formula FeS2. The mineral’s metallic lustre and pale brass-yellow hue give it a superficial resemblance to gold, hence the well-known nickname of fool's gold.

  

Marcasite jewellery, made from faceted pieces of pyrite, was known since ancient times. It was most popular in the Victorian era and with Art Nouveau jewellery designers. Commonly made by setting small pieces of pyrite into silver to create cheaper costume jewellery it saved on expensive, valuable things like diamonds or gold. 

What better material can there be for our time? What more suitable item could there be for our modern disposable era, our hedging of bets and abandonment of authenticity?  I propose a resurgence in marcasite – in pyrite jewellery. Allow me to introduce the Partial Commitment Ring. The “you’ll do... …for now” ring. Fashioned from fool’s gold, surely this is the new must-have item for our time. Inexpensive and shiny. Capable of creating a spark, but not actually generating any sustaining warmth or light. Nothing says I-sort-of-love-you like pyrites. 

But the uses do not stop there. Commonwealth Games medals could be more appropriately struck from pyrites, better befitting the status of these events compared to, say the world championship or Olympics.  It should be the prerequisite jewellery for gay marriage: “I do, but the best man is also quite hot”. It’s the only material for a long service 'gold' watch that truly says to retiring employees after 25 years of loyalty "we appreciated your service, dear INSERT EMPLOYEE NAME HERE". 

So versatile. So cheap. So nasty. And as a result, ironically, now so authentic.

Pyrites. You’re worth it.