How do I care for an antique ring?

Clean delicate stones like opals or pearls with a dry soft cloth rather than liquid immersion. Store each piece separately to prevent scratching softer precious metals and gems. Have settings checked periodically by a professional jeweller to ensure claws remain secure around large stones.

Are these rings suitable for daily wear?

Sturdy platinum and gold settings with harder stones like diamonds and sapphires withstand regular daily use well. Softer materials require extra caution against knocks and harsh household chemicals. Removing rings during manual tasks preserves delicate filigree and fragile gemstone surfaces over time.

How can I tell the period of a ring?

Examine the overall design style, noting geometric Art Deco lines versus flowing floral Edwardian or Victorian motifs. Metal choices, such as the emergence of platinum alongside yellow gold, offer further chronological clues. Stone cuts and mounting techniques also correspond directly to the manufacturing standards of specific decades.

What defines a cocktail ring?

A cocktail ring is an oversized, eye-catching piece designed specifically to draw attention during evening social gatherings. These items typically showcase exceptionally large central gemstones surrounded by intricate diamond or onyx work.