How do I care for a turquoise ring?

Turquoise is a relatively soft stone that absorbs oils and moisture easily. Avoid exposing the ring to harsh chemicals, cosmetics, or prolonged water immersion. Clean the metal and stones gently with a soft, dry cloth rather than ultrasonic jewellery cleaners. Store the ring separately from harder gemstones to prevent surface scratches.

How can I tell a Victorian ring from an Edwardian one?

Victorian rings often employ heavier 18ct or 15ct yellow gold alongside rich, deep turquoise stones and old cut diamonds. The designs tend to be robust and sentimentally themed. Edwardian pieces frequently utilise 9ct rose gold and lighter, more delicate stone arrangements like full eternity bands. The shift in gold colour and band weight points towards twentieth-century manufacturing preferences.

Are these rings suitable for daily wear?

Antique rings require thoughtful handling due to their age and the softer nature of turquoise. While they were built for regular use, precautions prevent premature wear. Remove the ring during manual labour, gardening, or swimming to protect the gold settings and the dome-shaped stones. Checking the claws or channels periodically ensures the gems remain secure.

What is an old cut diamond?

An old cut diamond is a historical diamond facet style shaped by hand before modern machinery standardised cutting. These stones display a smaller table and a charming, irregular sparkle under candlelight. They appear frequently alongside turquoise in late nineteenth-century jewellery. Their presence adds subtle brilliance without overpowering the smooth blue surface of the cabochons.