How do I wear a antique stick pin?

Stick pins can secure lapels, scarves, ties, and hats by pushing the long stem through the fabric and securing the point with a fitted guard at the reverse. Ensure the fabric is woven closely enough to support the metal weight without stretching or tearing the threads.

What is a suffragette brooch?

These are period pieces featuring specific colour combinations associated with the women's suffrage movement, typically incorporating green, white, and violet stones. Common combinations seen in these colourways include peridot, seed pearls, and amethysts set in nine-carat gold.

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

Victorian pieces often display heavier metalwork, darker gold tones, and denser stone groupings like garnet clusters or shell cameos. Edwardian items frequently favour lighter platinum-on-gold techniques, openwork filigree, and airy garland motifs featuring seed pearls and diamonds. Assay marks and hallmarks can also narrow down the exact decade of manufacture.

How should I clean my nine-carat gold jewellery?

Use warm water with a mild dish soap and a very soft brush to gently remove surface oils from the gold and hard gemstones. Avoid harsh chemical dips, as delicate seed pearls and softer stones like opals or turquoise are porous and easily damaged by moisture and abrasives.