How do I wear an antique brooch today?

Pin these pieces securely through heavier fabrics on coat lapels, scarves, or structured knitwear to support the weight of gold and gemstones. For convertible items with pendant loops, suspend the piece from a chain when you prefer not to pin it directly to clothing.

How do I tell Victorian from art deco pieces?

Victorian examples tend to feature yellow gold, natural pearls, hardstone cameos, and romantic floral or acanthus leaf motifs. Art deco items display geometric platinum and white metal settings, sharp symmetry, and calibrated rubies, onyx, or diamonds.

What are paste stones?

Paste refers to high-quality lead glass that artisans cut and polished by hand to imitate diamonds and coloured gemstones. Historical paste pieces were valued as fine jewellery in their own right rather than mere imitations, often set in solid silver and gold.