How do I care for my pendant?

Store your pendant separately in a lined box to prevent scratching softer gemstones like pearls and opals. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, as these can damage delicate seed pearls and disturb fragile settings. Clean the metal and harder stones gently with a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Have the claws inspected periodically by a specialist to ensure the stones remain secure.

Were these pendants worn daily?

These jewels were primarily created for evening wear, balls, and formal daytime calls among the affluent classes. Their lightweight construction and delicate platinum or gold wirework were unsuited for rough daily labour. As social habits shifted, many were adapted into shorter neck chains or worn continuously for special occasions. Today, they transition easily from daytime attire to evening events.

How can I tell an original from a reproduction?

Examine the reverse of the piece for hand-finished construction marks and evidence of ageing in the metal alloys. Original examples often display period-appropriate clasp mechanisms and hand-cut stones rather than uniform modern brilliant cuts. Consult the mountings under magnification to check for authentic millegrain work rather than cast imitations. The presence of old European cut diamonds provides a strong indicator of period authenticity.