Used to be, people would often choose the sparkly over anything else when it comes to jewelry. It was all about the brilliance, the clarity, and the premium feel of a jewelry piece. That’s why diamonds such as the one in this Noray Designs review, continue to shine in the market and in people’s collections.
Yet as times and preferences change, more people become open to new types of jewelry. Between going the ethical route in attaining gemstones and metals to having a piece of fine jewelry carry significance, more jewelry enthusiasts now look for more in what they wear. Hence, the popularity of meteorite jewelry.
The Real Deal On Meteorite Jewelry
Among the new jewelry materials that have risen in popularity is the meteorite. Whether it’s because of its unique and out-of-this-world quality or its refreshing attributes as delicate jewelry, there’s now more interest in meteorite jewelry.
However, between class A jewelry and fashion jewelry, you may find it challenging differentiating real from fake. Here are a few things to ask yourself before treating yourself to your own piece of space.
5 Burning Questions About Meteorite Jewelry
Deciding to buy jewelry is quite a big step for anyone. But opting for a very unique piece like meteorite jewelry also brings with it some even more intriguing questions. After all, an out of this world stone may be an entirely different beast when talking about fine jewelry.
Before jumping the gun and getting your own bit of space in your hand or on your finger, here are a few key things to know and understand about owning a piece of meteorite jewelry.
Is it safe to wear meteorite jewelry?
When you think of wearing space jewelry, it’s easy to assume the worst. What if it contains radiation? What if exposure to it might be dangerous overtime? And what if it’s dangerous to wear it all the time?
There’s no danger in wearing meteorite jewelry, particularly those that have been crafted by talented and expert jewelry makers. These jewelry manufacturers already took the time and the proper steps to ensure that each handcrafted meteorite accessory is free from any radiation. Because meteorites in general, especially those that have not yet been processed, may contain some traces of radioactivity. So long as you get your meteorite jewelry from a trusted source, it won’t be a source of serious complications.
Still, something to take note of especially by jewelry enthusiasts who also need hypoallergenic jewelry: you may want to take a closer look at this one. A lot of meteorite pieces tend to contain some amounts of nickel. This may not be too much to trigger an allergic reaction. But if you are already allergic to trace amounts, as can be seen in gold alloys, then go for a meteorite jewelry that has a protective coating over the meteorite material.
Where is meteorite jewelry from?
As the name implies, meteorite jewelry comes from the space debris that falls to the earth. But did you know that there is a type of meteorite that’s almost as good as a diamond? And it looks the part, too!
We’re talking about the moissanite, which sparkles just as much and remains just as hard as diamonds. To the untrained eye, the difference between diamonds and moissanites may not be so apparent. Moissanite first came from a meteor crater in Arizona. Discovered by French scientist Henri Moissan who also had the privilege of giving it the name, the moissanite is made of silicon carbide. To date, natural moissanite is very rare, and most gems classified as such tend to be lab-grown.
But even these manufactured diamond substitutes can shine brightest and look clearer compared to other stones. Depending on the facet pattern, you may even get a rainbow flash on a moissanite, which can be quite a unique feature as far as gemstones go.
What makes meteorite jewelry even better is the fact that it is, essentially, a more ethical product to use. In the first place, meteorites do not need to be mined, as they come from outer space. Moreover, there’s minimal threat to the environment when it comes to mining them.
It may also be one reason why meteorites appeal more to the younger market, such as the millennial. Diamonds held a bad rep for the younger market due to the unethical practice of mining or their use as currency for nefarious deeds, such as wars. Since meteorite comes from outer space and its worth has just recently risen due to popularity, you can rest easy knowing that the jewelry you’re wearing is as good as it can get.
Meteorite Jewelry Facts
Meteorite jewelry used to be shrouded in mystery due to its unearthly origins. However, we know now more about this stone from space—what it’s made of, how you can tell real ones from fake ones, and how much you have to spend to own one.
What is meteorite jewelry made of?
One way to tell if it’s actually a meteorite stone on your jewelry piece is if it actually rusts over time. Some people may think that since it is a stone that is not of the planet, it should not be prone to rusting.
However, real meteorites have the risk of getting rusty because of the iron content in their makeup. Additionally, it may help to know that some meteorites do change color as they age as well. Astronomers from the University of Hawaii have found that some asteroids tend to become more reddish over time.
Scientists call this space weathering, which is the process by which asteroid rocks change in color. While scientists continue to explore the details of the phenomenon, they know that the surface of the asteroid can be tricky, given how it has passed through the Earth’s atmosphere. However, the rock itself already experienced other external environments, including cosmic and solar radiation, the effects of which are packed and absorbed by the rock.
Imagine not only history but also science embedded into the very particles of a jewelry piece that you own. And it’s not just limited to what can be seen on Earth!
How can you tell if meteorite jewelry is real?
To date, only three kinds of meteorite can be harvested and used for jewelry. These include the Gibeon, the Muonionalusta, and the Lunar. Each of these meteorites have a specific and unique characteristic. The Gibeon contains iron and nickel alloys, as well as other minerals. An iron meteorite first found by two children in 1906, the Muonionalusta meteorites have since then turned up on the banks of the Muonio River in northern Sweden. Finally, the Lunar meteorite belongs to a group of meteorites that supposedly come from the moon. This stands out from other similar types because of the wider range of materials imbibed in the rock
If any of your meteorite jewelry comes from these sources, then it’s highly likely that they are real. However, there are some other ways to be able to tell.
Rust may be one way to tell whether or not a jewelry piece is real. Some jewelry experts would use the magnet test to look for any reactions. Almost all with a few very select meteorite pieces tend to react to magnets, due to their magnetic properties.
Perhaps the surest and easiest way to do so would be to have something legal and on paper. Given how meteorites remain scarce as far as sources go, you can only find so many manufacturers of these jewelry types. Always ask for certifications, as they are proof that your meteorite jewelry really came from outer space.
Are meteorite rings expensive?
In a nutshell, yes, authentic meteorite jewelry can fetch a fairly hefty price tag. It boils down to the principle of supply and demand. When you only have a few sources to create meteorite jewelry, it’s no surprise that you may have to shell out a few more than your allotted budget.
Some jewelry brands tout their products as real meteorite jewelry by highlighting the name of the meteorite from which the material has been harvested from. For instance, some brands take from the Gibeon meteorite. This piece fell to the Earth in 1836, and has since then been among the more popular meteorites harvested for jewelry.
The Gibeon meteorite remains one of 81 listed official meteorites so far. As meteorite rings and jewelry become even more popular, they can become rarer or increase in price, depending on demand.
Caring For An Out Of This World Precious Stone
Already decided to get yourself a meteorite ring or pendant? It pays to know how to take care of it properly. Proper care for any jewelry is the biggest step to making even your most casual everyday jewelry last long enough to become an heirloom.
Cleaning: Go for soft chemicals
Even though it’s easy to picture a meteorite as being a tough stone that can be durable on the go, it can still be affected by harmful chemicals.
Like other fine jewelry, meteorites can react badly to harsh chemicals. You may end up with a faded space stone if you constantly expose it to harsh cleaning. It helps to keep your local jeweler’s contact details handy. Even when you can do DIY cleaning, it’s good to take it to regular meteorite jewelry cleaning to further its lifespan in your collection.
Steer clear of moisture exposure
Moisture can be meteorite jewelry’s biggest enemy. Too much exposure to moisture can make them corrode, and meteorite jewelry can rust easily. Steer clear of chlorine and saltwater, too so you can keep your meteorite ring or necklace looking brand new.
Don’t forget to remove your jewelry before diving into the pool or even washing the dishes. Some jewelry experts even advise that you keep your meteorite jewelry away from everyday chemicals like lotions or sprays.
How to deal with rusting
Some rings can have too much sentimental value, making it hard to keep them off of your person all the time. If this is the case, it’s better to have a few tricks up your sleeve to deal with rusting.
Toothbrush and toothpaste are a great combo to use as a simple hack. Opt for a soft toothbrush so you don’t scrub the surface of the meteorite jewelry too much. Once you’ve brushed the nook and cranny, make sure to wash away the soap completely.
You can also use rubbing alcohol as a solution for soaking your meteorite ring. Find a small container and put a few drops of alcohol in. Soak the ring for 10 minutes, making sure that every surface is soaked in the solution. Make sure to take it out afterwards and dry completely using a soft cloth.
The same treatment goes for meteorite jewelry men’s fashion as you may find in this MVMT review. Precaution and prevention always favor fine jewelry more than restorative actions. So best to deal with issues like rusting from the get-go.
Don’t forget the sealant
Once you’ve cleared out the rust, there’s one more step you should not miss. Sealing your meteorite jewelry in oil keeps out moisture to an extent. Some experts have varying suggestions on which type of oil to best use. Automatic transmission fluid used in car transmissions may work, but make sure to protect your bare skin against it. ATF is known to keep rust away, but immediate and constant exposure to freshly re-oiled surfaces should be kept to a minimum. Dry the excess oil with a soft cloth—take care not to rub the jewelry abrasively and keep it in an open space inside the house for some time before choosing to wear it.
You can also use gunmetal oil, dabbling a small amount of it onto a dry soft toothbrush. Once you’ve gotten to the finer designs of your meteorite ring, don’t forget to gently wipe off any excess oil.
Treating discoloration
Unlike precious gemstones, meteorites have a higher chance of undergoing discoloration. Typically, discoloration presents on the edges of the meteorite stone. Sometimes, these spots can look brownish or yellowish in color.
Note that just because there is brown discoloration does not mean it is rust. However, this could signify some deeper issue with your stone, so it’s best to consult with your jeweler.
Take the time to bring your meteorite jewelry to your jeweler for a regular checkup. But if you need a quick home remedy, try to find a calcium, lime, and rust remover. Using a Q-tip dipped in this solution, lightly swipe the affected spots. Sometimes, these spots may immediately come off, but for those that stay on for longer, repeat the process until you see some of the areas getting lighter.
Want to know more about caring for your jewelry collection? Read “How To Prevent Jewelry From Tarnishing: Caring For Your Bling Like a Pro.”
