Can I wear these everyday?

Antique earrings require gentle handling due to their delicate construction and historical mountings. Removing them before sleeping or exercising preserves the fine millegrain and secure stone settings. Storing them individually in a lined box prevents the older gold and silver alloys from scratching against other items in your collection.

How do I convert screwbacks?

Many historical pairs feature original screwback mechanisms designed for non-pierced ears of the era. A specialist jeweller can often convert these to standard posts or wire hooks without altering the main decorative drop. It is advisable to retain the original components if possible, as they form part of the authentic construction history of the piece.

Are the diamonds certified?

Most antique earrings of this scale are sold without formal laboratory certificates due to their size and historical nature. Dealers assess diamond weights and qualities by eye based on comparative experience. Total carat weights listed in descriptions are typically estimated in the mounting to provide a guide to the overall scale of the stones.

What is silver-topped gold?

Craftsmen soldered a thin sheet of silver to the front face of a gold mounting specifically to hold the diamonds. Silver was preferred because its bright white surface enhanced the icy fire of old cut stones before white gold and platinum became widely used. The gold backing provided the necessary structural strength and prevented tarnishing against the skin.