How do I care for my antique ring?

Clean your jewellery gently using warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding harsh ultrasonic cleaners that can loosen old settings. Store pieces individually in soft pouches to prevent metal abrasion. Have the settings checked periodically by a professional jeweller to ensure the claws remain secure around the stone.

What periods do these pieces come from?

The items span from the late Victorian and Edwardian eras through the Art Deco period and into the mid-century decades. Each era brought distinct design characteristics to the metalwork and mounting styles. Art Deco pieces favour geometric platinum settings, while Edwardian examples often showcase intricate millegrain work and lighter floral motifs.

Can I wear an engagement ring daily?

These historical pieces withstand everyday wear provided you treat them with reasonable care. Platinum and 18ct gold provide robust mountings for daily use. Remove rings during heavy manual work, gardening, or swimming to protect the delicate antique settings and softer gemstones.

How do these stones differ from modern cuts?

Older cutting styles prioritised face-up warmth and deep crown proportions over the mathematical symmetry of modern brilliant cuts. They display wider, more romantic facet reflections under low lighting conditions. The presence of an open culet at the base of the pavilion serves as a key visual identifier of the historic cutting method.