How do I care for an antique ring?

Clean your piece gently using warm water and a soft brush to remove everyday oils. Avoid harsh ultrasonic cleaners that can loosen historic settings. Take the ring off during heavy physical tasks to protect the softer eighteen-carat gold claws and fragile hand-cut edges.

Can these rings be resized easily?

Most gold rings from the Victorian and Edwardian periods can be adjusted by a skilled jeweller. The solid gold bands allow for straightforward alterations up or down. Intricate gallery work or stones set all the way around the band require specialised attention to preserve the original hallmarks.

The culet is the small flat facet at the very bottom point of an antique diamond. Hand-cut stones often display a visible open culet when viewed from the top. This characteristic confirms the historic origin of the gemstone and distinguishes old mine cuts from modern brilliant stones.

How do I date my ring?

Examine the mounting style, the type of gold, and any hallmark stamps inside the band. Georgian and Victorian pieces often feature heavy hand-carved gold work, while Edwardian designs favour delicate platinum. Official assay office marks provide specific years for hallmarked British pieces manufactured throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.