How do I care for pearl and diamond jewellery?

Pearls are organic and sensitive to chemicals, perfumes and cosmetics, requiring gentle wiping with a soft cloth after wear rather than immersion in ultrasonic cleaning tanks. Diamonds are harder and tolerate mild soapy water, but the soft nature of pearls means pieces should be stored separately to prevent scratching from metal mounts.

What is the difference between natural and cultured pearls?

Natural pearls form organically within molluscs without human intervention, accumulating concentric layers of nacre over time. They appear frequently in antique and Edwardian pieces. Cultured pearls involve human assistance to initiate the pearl-forming process. Gemological reports often accompany older natural specimens to verify their origin.

How can I date an Edwardian cluster ring?

Edwardian pieces, made between roughly 1901 and 1910, often combine platinum-topped gold shanks with delicate openwork filigree and millegrain decoration. The use of old-cut diamonds is standard for this period. Hallmarks, where present, help pinpoint the exact assay office and year of manufacture, though many antique rings rely on stylistic markers and setting techniques for dating.

Can these rings be resized easily?

Resizing depends on the band material and whether the shoulders feature intricate engraving or cluster work that could be distorted. Plain gold shanks adjust straightforwardly. Pieces with closed galleries or platinum settings require specialist laser welding to preserve structural integrity, so a professional jeweller should inspect the piece first.