How do I clean my silver and enamel brooch?

Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust from the silver frame. Avoid liquid jewellery dips, as chemical cleaners can seep beneath the enamel or damage vulnerable butterfly wing materials. Store each piece separately in a lined box to prevent scratching the glass surface against other metal items.

Are these badges meant to be worn daily?

Most pieces function well as dress accessories for occasional wear. The glass enamel remains resilient, but sharp impacts can chip the vitreous surface. Pin them securely through heavy weaves rather than delicate silks to protect the fabric and the pin mechanism.

How can I tell an Edwardian piece from Art Deco?

Edwardian designs often feature softer floral motifs, naturalistic pansies, and organic shapes tied to the Art Nouveau movement. Sterling silver settings are light and intricately wired. Art Deco examples lean towards geometric symmetry, sharp lines, and stylised insect forms with clean guilloche patterns underneath transparent enamel.

What is butterfly wing jewellery?

This technique uses real morpho butterfly wing fragments mounted beneath bevelled glass to create an iridescent blue background. Artisans painted miniature scenes over the wing scales. These pieces emerged during the early twentieth century and require careful protection from direct moisture.