How do I wear antique screw-back earrings?

Screw-back earrings feature a threaded post and a small butterfly screw that tightens against the earlobe. Adjust the tension gently until the earring rests securely without pinching the skin. They offer a reliable option for unpierced ears or for heavier drop designs that require extra support to stay upright.

Can I clean Victorian gold and silver earrings?

Clean these pieces carefully with a soft, dry microfibre cloth to remove surface dust and skin oils. Avoid submerging them in liquid jewellery dips, as moisture can damage foil-backed stones or loosen pearls. Silver naturally tarnishes over time, but gentle polishing preserves the antique contrast between the dark metal and the bright stones.

Why use both gold and silver in one earring?

Jewellers used silver on the front face because its bright, reflective properties made diamonds and paste stones look whiter and more brilliant. Gold formed the reverse and the findings because it provided structural strength and prevented the silver from tarnishing against the skin. This two-tone method defined high-end jewellery production throughout the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

How do I tell an old cut diamond from a modern one?

Old cut diamonds feature smaller tables, steeper crowns, and larger facets that were shaped entirely by hand. They produce a softer, broader flash of light compared to the precise, fiery sparkle of modern brilliant-cut stones. Under magnification, their culets often appear as a small flat facet rather than a sharp point.