How can you tell if your jewelry is really made from meteorites?

Meteorites are used to produce Jewelry like rings. Because of the rareness of meteorites, finding a piece of jewelry with a description that claims that it is produced from this piece of space should raise skepticism. 

Just like there are counterfeit dollar notes, there are also counterfeit pieces of meteorite jewelry. But how can you know that there is a real asteroid or meteoroid in your jewelry?

The best course of action to identify an actual piece is, and always will be, to consult a specialist.

However, before consulting an expert jeweler, there are a few simple tests you could perform on your piece so that you can quickly verify its true nature.

How to identify if your piece of jewelry is made from meteorites

  1. Get the certificate of authenticity

Make sure that the retailer offers an authenticity certificate. This certificate will be provided to the source by reputable jewelry retailers. You can also inquire with your store about issuing you a certificate.

  1. It has a chance of rusting

The iron content of the meteorite makes them susceptible to rusting. Though the one in your piece may not rust at all if you’re lucky.

However, they occasionally rust with time. But the good news is that you can take care of it to stop it from rusting. 

This is done by following the instructions given on how to take good care of your piece of jewelry and make it last longer.

  1. It will be damaged by strong acids

Strong acids like nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and hydrochloric acid should not be exposed to your meteorite jewelry. It goes without saying that testing how your jewelry responds to acids exposes it to damage.

It is best that you try out the other tests to confirm its authenticity first. So, if your piece accidentally comes in contact with any of the powerful acids listed and is unharmed, it is most probably a fake.

  1. The Widmanstatten Design

If your ring is made from meteorites, start by examining the Widmanstatten pattern, a very noticeable and eye-catching interwoven cross-section pattern. 

This crystalline structure was not created by humans, which makes it a sure-fire way to check if you have the right ring.

Since there have been no successful attempts to recreate the pattern that only manifests once etched in acid, not even by scientists, they are practically impossible to replicate.

  1. Magnet Check

Checking with a magnet is the fastest approach to determining if you have a genuine piece of meteorite. 

Real ones will be drawn to the magnet because it is around 99% magnetic.

Identifying Fake and Real Meteorite Rings

Fake ones:

  1. A repetitive pattern or design that doesn’t look natural. (It looks like a wrinkly metal foil).
  1. The foil forms a dent beneath the metal edges.
  1. It has an obvious layer protecting the foil beneath.
  1. It is plated with gold.
  1. The pricing will be low, they might even use the words “imitation” or “faux”.

Real ones:

  1. Ring in dark ceramic:

On this real ring, the Widmanstätten patterns are incised into the metal; they are not faked with wrinkly foils. It is a Gibeon type which is preferred by jewelers.

  1. Well-patterned:

They lack any type of coating or texture resembling foil. Additionally, the patterns are distinct and do not re-occur.

  1. A ring made of solid gold:

Solid gold can be used to create this gold wedding ring. Unlike other shoddy-made imitation rings, it is not plated.

Types of meteorite used in jewelry production(and how to identify them)

Iron from this special rock is typically used to make different jewelries including rings, bracelets, etc. 

Though some of them are more common than others, the most well-known types of meteorites used, especially for rings, are listed below.

  1. Gibeon type:

This is one of the most frequently used meteorites in jewelry making. The name refers to the city in Namibia’s Gibeon region.

It was initially discovered in 1838 and is prehistoric in nature. The space rock has a sizable amount of an iron-nickel alloy with cobalt and phosphorus.

Additionally, Gibeon is a preferred option for jewelers because of its exquisite etch pattern. Any jewelry made from this type can be easily identified by this pattern.

  1. Muonionalusta type:

The Muonio River, which is located on the border between Sweden and Finland, is where it gets its name. It is composed of iron, nickel, and a trace amount of the rare elements gallium and germanium. 

The incredibly stable Muonionalusta has an engraving style similar to Gibeon. It is also very magnetic unlike the others.

  1. Seymchan type:

This type is pallasite (stony-iron) that was initially discovered in Seymchan, Russia, in 1967, as opposed to Gibeon and Muonionalusta. 

It has a high concentration of iridium and is very rust-resistant, making it a common choice for rings. It can be easily identified by its greenish hue.

Conclusion

A meteorite jewelry is a one of a kind piece. You could say that anyone who owns any piece of meteorite jewelry for a long time is big on elegance and care. Its unique properties make it a thoughtful gift for a special one.

You can use the information in this article to identify real meteorite jewelry. However, as mentioned earlier, the best way is seeking the help of a professional jeweler.

 FAQS

  • How long will a piece of meteorite jewelry last?

It lasts for a lifetime if you use it carefully. Though if the markings are fading out, you can take it to a professional.

  • Do rings made from meteorite scratch?

A well crafted ring made from meteorite is scratch resistant. Going through different series of processes ensures this.

  • Why should you buy a piece of meteorite jewelry?

Most people believe that they have healing properties, and they frequently equate them with balance and strength. 

Even if astrology isn’t your thing, you may still admire this piece. If you wish to break the mold, an engagement ring or box of Jewelry made from this cosmic bit is ideal and will undoubtedly spark conversation. 

Walk into a party adorning yourself with meteorite jewelry and leave heads turning wherever you go. 

  • Are meteorites valuable and durable?

Yes, they are. This is considering the fact that meteorites are either gotten from space or found when they hit the Earth’s surface. They cost between $400-$1000. 

Metals such as nickel and iron are incorporated when making meteorite jewelry, which adds to their strength. This could leave an open door to rusting though.

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