How do I care for antique diamond dangles?

Clean these pieces gently with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding harsh ultrasonic cleaners that can loosen historic settings. Silver and gold components benefit from professional inspection of the claws every few years. Store the earrings separately in a lined box to prevent the old cut stones from scratching each other or softer mounted pearls.

Can these earrings be worn every day?

Historic drop earrings suit daily wear provided the fastenings remain secure and the claw settings are stable. Edwardian platinum and white gold mountings offer robust durability for regular use. Take care to remove them during physical activities or sleeping to protect the delicate articulated joints and antique metalwork.

How can I tell an Edwardian setting from a Victorian one?

Edwardian mountings frequently utilise platinum and white gold to create airy, lace-like frames inspired by garland styles. Victorian pieces lean towards heavier 15ct or 18ct yellow gold, often combining silver atop gold for stone settings. Examining the underlying metal colour and the complexity of the gallery wirework usually reveals the transition between these two distinct periods.

What is the difference between old cut and modern diamond cuts?

Old cut diamonds feature hand-polished facets arranged to maximise sparkle under candlelight or gaslight. They possess smaller tables and deeper pavilions than modern brilliant cuts. Modern brilliant cuts prioritise mathematical symmetry and maximum return of white light under electric illumination, losing the characteristic soft warmth of historic stones.