How do I care for vintage silver earrings?

Store silver and gemstone earrings in dry, padded boxes away from direct sunlight and humidity to protect delicate stones like turquoise, amber, and pearls. Avoid using liquid chemical dips on pieces containing paste glass, foil-backed stones, or marcasite, as moisture trapped behind settings causes permanent discolouration.

Can screwback earrings be converted for pierced ears?

Many jewellers can convert vintage screwback fittings to modern posts or hooks by working carefully with the existing hinge or loop without harming the main drop. However, leaving original mechanics intact preserves the historical integrity of Georgian and Victorian pieces for those who prefer unalterable authenticity.

How do I date an Art Deco drop earring?

Art Deco pieces from the 1920s and 1930s typically feature rigid geometric motifs, calibrated black onyx, synthetic ruby accents, and shimmering marcasite or chrome. These designs favour strong vertical lines and streamlined modernist silhouettes that break sharply from the softer, curved floral aesthetics of the preceding Edwardian era.