How do I care for my antique ring?

Antique jewellery requires gentle handling due to the delicate nature of historic settings and softer precious metals. Avoid wearing your pieces during strenuous manual tasks or exposing them to harsh household chemicals. Professionals recommend periodic checks of the claws and mountings to ensure the stones remain secure. Clean them gently using warm soapy water and a soft brush rather than ultrasonic machines.

What is the difference between old mine and cushion cuts?

Old mine cuts are an older form of cushion cut, typically possessing a squarer outline, a smaller table facet, and a much steeper crown angle. They were cut entirely by hand to retain maximum weight from the rough crystal. Standard cushion cuts can span a wider chronological window and may exhibit slightly more rectangular proportions or modified pavilion faceting depending on the exact decade they were shaped.

Can I wear an engagement ring daily?

Many buyers wear these historic rings every day, provided the piece is robust and has been inspected by a jeweller to confirm the settings are secure. Platinum and higher carats of gold offer strong daily durability for antique mountings. For exceptionally fragile or delicate Edwardian and Victorian designs, reserving the piece for special occasions helps protect the intricate handiwork from unnecessary wear.

How can I tell the era of a setting?

The era of a piece is usually identified through a combination of manufacturing techniques, metal choices, and the specific style of the gemstone cutting. Georgian and early Victorian pieces often feature closed-back foils or heavy hand-carved shanks, whereas Art Deco mountings favour geometric platinum framework. Official hallmarks, maker marks, and stylistic clues like millegrain edging or floral cluster arrangements further help narrow down the exact decade of manufacture.