What is paste jewellery?

Paste jewellery consists of pieces set with hand-cut and polished glass designed to imitate diamonds and coloured gemstones. Craftsmen set these glass stones into silver or gold metals to create decorative rings, brooches, and necklaces.

How do I clean antique paste?

Antique paste pieces require gentle cleaning with a dry or barely damp soft cloth to protect the delicate glass settings. Submerging historic jewellery in water can weaken old adhesives or discolour the foil backing behind the stones.

Are these pieces solid gold?

The listings show items created from silver, sterling silver, and select pieces incorporating 18ct gold or combined gold and silver. Precious metal content varies by individual piece, with silver serving as the predominant structural material.

Can screwback earrings be converted?

Jewellers can adapt screwback mechanisms to modern posts, though many collectors prefer preserving the original antique fixings. Original screwbacks remain useful for wearers without pierced ears.