What is a cabochon cut?

A cabochon is a gemstone that has been shaped and polished into a smooth, rounded dome instead of being cut with flat facets. This style preserves the weight of the rough crystal and enhances stones that display optical effects. Cutters often reserve this method for opaque or translucent materials like opal, moonstone, turquoise, and jade. The smooth surface allows light to travel across the interior of the stone rather than refracting through external planes.

How do I care for antique opals and moonstones?

These stones possess specific physical properties that require gentle handling during everyday wear and storage. Opals contain water and are sensitive to rapid temperature shifts, while moonstones have a cleavage that makes them vulnerable to sharp impacts. Clean these pieces using a soft cloth dampened with warm water, avoiding harsh chemical dips, ultrasonic cleaners, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Store each piece separately in a lined box to prevent scratching from harder gems.

How can I tell an Arts and Crafts necklace apart?

Arts and Crafts pieces emphasise hand-wrought silver, visible hammer marks, and cabochon stones chosen for their individual character rather than uniform perfection. Makers often incorporated motifs drawn from nature, such as leaves, vines, and intertwined stems. These designs avoid the strict symmetry of earlier Victorian jewellery in favour of artistic expression. Many examples feature bezel-set moonstones, opals, or turquoise held by heavy silver prongs and links.

What period does a lavaliere necklace belong to?

Lavaliere necklaces typically date from the Edwardian era and the early twentieth century, featuring a pendant that hangs centrally from a delicate chain with secondary drops. The silhouette draws inspiration from the Duchess de la Vallière. These pieces frequently combine platinum or gold with pearls, diamonds, and coloured cabochons. The drop construction creates movement against the neckline, a hallmark of early twentieth-century lightness.