Gold Paste Jewellery
Gold paste jewellery offers the brilliance of high-value gemstones through masterful hand-cut glass set in precious metals across multiple eras.
Gold Paste Jewellery
Gold paste jewellery brings together items such as earrings, rings, brooches, necklaces, pendants, bangles, and complete jewellery sets spanning Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, and Art Deco periods.
Pieces range from early Georgian mourning rings to mid-century dress rings, reflecting shifting tastes in metalwork and gemstone simulation over centuries.
Materials and construction
Goldsmiths set hand-cut paste glass and rock crystal into combinations of gold, silver, 9ct gold, 14ct gold, 18ct gold, and gold filled or rolled gold mounts.
Craftsmen often utilised silver topped gold settings to enhance the whiteness and brilliance of white paste stones, paired with closed backs or foil linings.
Gold Paste Jewellery Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for gold paste jewellery among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Quality variations
Superior items display meticulous hand-faceting on the paste stones, yielding sharp light reflection that mirrors genuine gems closely.
The sophistication of the metalwork, from intricate Victorian Etruscan Revival wirework to clean Art Deco geometric lines, determines the refinement of the piece.
Knoll & Pregizer
The Gold Paste Jewellery Glossary
- Paste
- Hand-cut and polished lead glass created to imitate precious gemstones. It requires skilled glassmaking and cutting to achieve genuine optical brilliance.
- Foil back
- A thin sheet of reflective metal placed behind a paste stone inside a closed setting. This technique intensifies the colour and sparkle of the glass.
- Black dot paste
- A specific Georgian technique where a tiny dark spot is painted on the culet of a paste stone. This mimics the natural inclusions found in old mine-cut diamonds.
- Giardinetti
- A small floral motif ring design translating to little garden. These pieces arrange multicoloured paste stones to represent a bouquet of flowers in a basket or vase.
- Mourning jewellery
- Commemorative pieces incorporating enamel, hair, or dark stones to remember the deceased. These items hold deep historical significance from the Georgian and Victorian eras.
Gold Paste Jewellery: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for antique gold paste jewellery?
Clean these items gently with a dry soft cloth to protect the delicate metal and sensitive glass stones. Avoid submerging foil-backed pieces in liquid, as moisture ruins the internal reflective backing.
Store each piece individually in a lined box to prevent scratching between items. Take off rings and bracelets before washing hands or handling chemicals.
Are paste stones made of ordinary glass?
Paste glass contains high levels of lead oxide, which increases the weight, density, and light dispersion of the material. This specific formulation allows the glass to catch light similarly to mined gemstones.
Master artisans faceted each stone by hand rather than pressing them into moulds. This skilled cutting process creates the sharp edges characteristic of antique pieces.
Can I wear these pieces every day?
Antique gold paste jewellery requires careful handling because paste glass is softer than diamond or sapphire. Daily wear increases the risk of scratching the stones or damaging delicate settings.
Reserve these pieces for occasional wear to preserve their historical integrity. Gentle treatment ensures the delicate prongs and foil linings remain secure over time.
How can I tell a Georgian piece from a Victorian one?
Georgian items often feature closed-back settings with foil linings and distinct black dot inclusions in the paste. The metals used in this era frequently combine yellow gold with silver tops.
Victorian pieces transition towards varied styles like Etruscan Revival and mourning designs incorporating seed pearls. Examining the construction methods and metal purity marks helps clarify the manufacturing era.