What periods do these pieces date from?

The inventory spans the late Victorian era through the Edwardian period, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and into the 1940s vintage and mid-century years. Most items originate in the first half of the twentieth century when platinum became the preferred metal for fine gemstone mounting. Specific decades represented include the 1900s, 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, each carrying distinct stylistic traits from ornate garlands to geometric symmetry.

Are these rings suitable for daily wear?

Platinum possesses exceptional durability and resistance to wear, making it well-suited for everyday items like engagement rings and wedding bands. Its strength allows thin claws to hold stones securely over decades of use. Prong integrity and gemstone security should still be checked periodically by a professional, particularly on antique pieces with delicate Edwardian openwork.

How do I identify an Edwardian piece?

Edwardian items typically feature light, airy openwork designs resembling lace or garlands, frequently executed in platinum-topped gold. Stones are often set with fine millegrain borders using old cut diamonds and occasional pearls or soft-hued gemstones. By contrast, Art Deco pieces adopt bold geometric lines, symmetry, and high-contrast combinations like rubies or sapphires paired with diamonds.

Why are some rings combined with gold?

Many Edwardian and Art Deco rings use platinum for the upper setting to showcase white diamonds against a neutral backdrop while utilising 18ct yellow gold for the shank. This technique provided the durability of platinum where needed while maintaining traditional warmth on the band. Such hybrid construction is a reliable indicator of early twentieth-century manufacturing methods rather than a later repair.