How do I care for a vintage pendant?

Clean these pieces gently with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding harsh chemical dips that can damage seed pearls or older metals. Store them individually in lined boxes to prevent stones from scratching adjacent metalwork. Check the security of the suspension loop and stone settings periodically, especially on articulated drop sections that experience regular movement during wear.

Can I wear a drop pendant daily?

Sapphire rates high on the hardness scale, making the central stone resilient for regular wear. However, older settings in nine-carat or fifteen-carat gold require thoughtful handling to avoid bending delicate wirework or damaging seed pearls. Remove necklaces before sleeping, swimming, or engaging in strenuous physical activity to protect fragile antique linkages and older clasp mechanisms.

How do I identify an Edwardian piece?

Edwardian designs often feature platinum-topped gold, millegrain edges, and lacy openwork motifs. Pendants from this era frequently utilise seed pearls and old-cut diamonds alongside bright blue sapphires. Look for symmetrical yet airy construction techniques that distinguish the period from heavier Victorian jewellery or geometric Art Deco work.

What is the difference between antique and vintage?

Antique jewellery generally refers to pieces over one hundred years old, encompassing Victorian and early Edwardian examples. Vintage covers items from subsequent decades, including mid-century and later twentieth-century designs. Both categories share historical craftsmanship, but their distinct periods dictate the prevailing metal colours, stone cuts, and stylistic proportions.