How do I care for an antique diamond ring?

These delicate settings require gentle handling and should be removed before manual work, swimming or applying harsh cosmetics. Regular professional checks ensure the old claws and thin shanks remain secure. Cleaning is best done with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding ultrasonic machines that can loosen older stones.

Are these stones natural?

The diamonds and coloured gems found in these pieces are earth-mined stones characteristic of the nineteenth century. Many feature unheated rubies or sapphires alongside hand-cut old European and rose cut diamonds. Evaluation relies on microscopic examination to identify the hand-cut facets and natural inclusions typical of the period.

How can I tell the period?

Dating relies on mounting styles, metal combinations, and the specific geometry of the cut. Silver-topped gold settings and heavy yellow gold bands point towards the late Victorian decades. Transition into the Edwardian period brings lighter platinum work and more delicate, lace-like open galleries surrounding the central stones.