How do I identify Victorian earrings?

Victorian earrings typically display romantic or revival motifs, utilising yellow gold, garnet, jet, or turquoise. Look for hollow puffy hoops, Etruscan wirework, and closed-back settings characteristic of the nineteenth century. Heavier drops and symbolic motifs like snakes or acorns further signal Victorian craftsmanship, often suspended from simple gold wires.

What is the difference between Edwardian and Art Deco styles?

Edwardian earrings favour light, lace-like platinum and yellow gold frameworks showcasing pearls, peridot, and aquamarines. The aesthetic is ethereal and heavily influenced by floral garlands and soft geometries. Art Deco pieces pivot sharply towards bold symmetry, white gold, diamonds, and calibrated coloured gemstones arranged in clean architectural lines.

How should I clean antique gold earrings?

Antique settings require gentle maintenance using a soft cloth and warm soapy water, avoiding harsh ultrasonic cleaners. Delicate materials like pearls, amber, turquoise, and jet are porous and easily damaged by chemicals or prolonged soaking. Store each pair separately in a lined box to prevent scratching softer gemstones and fragile gold wirework.