How do I care for my ring?

Garnets are moderately durable stones, but they can be scratched by harder gems like diamonds. Clean your ring gently using warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding harsh ultrasonic cleaners. Store the piece separately in a fabric-lined box to prevent the mount or accent stones from scratching neighbouring jewellery when not being worn.

Are these rings suitable for daily wear?

Many vintage rings withstand everyday wear if handled with reasonable care. However, delicate settings involving seed pearls or older claws require mindful attention during manual tasks. Checking the security of the stones periodically with a jeweller ensures the claws remain tight and the gems stay firmly anchored in their mounts.

How can I tell the period of a ring?

Stylistic clues such as cluster arrangements, metal choices like platinum or yellow gold, and specific cut styles help date a piece. Victorian designs often favour floral motifs, while mid-century examples lean towards bolder cocktail proportions. Hallmarks stamped inside the band provide official clues regarding the assay office, metal purity, and year of manufacture where present.