How do I care for antique gold leaf jewellery?

Clean these delicate pieces gently using a soft cloth and warm soapy water, avoiding harsh chemical dips that might damage softer gems like opals or pearls. Store each item separately in a lined box to prevent the fine metal leaves and stone settings from scratching against other ornaments.

Are these pieces suitable for everyday wear?

Most items handle regular wear well due to the durability of 18ct gold, though delicate botanical forms require mindful handling during daily activities. Items featuring softer stones like pearls or opals need extra care to avoid knocks that could dislodge the gems from their leaf settings.

How can I tell an Edwardian piece from a Victorian one?

Edwardian items frequently utilise platinum combined with yellow gold to create light, airy floral and leaf motifs with old-cut diamonds. Victorian examples tend towards heavier yellow gold settings, often incorporating rich coloured stones like rubies within vine leaf designs.

What does French origin indicate on these pieces?

French items from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries often display exceptional artistry in their organic Art Nouveau leaf and flower motifs. These pieces frequently feature characteristic French hallmarks stamped on the exterior or clasp, confirming the gold purity and manufacturing origin.