How do I care for vintage yellow gold jewellery?

Clean your pieces gently with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding harsh chemical dips that can damage softer gems like pearls or opals. Store items individually in soft pouches to prevent the softer yellow gold alloys from scratching against other harder pieces.

What is the difference between Victorian and Art Deco yellow gold?

Victorian pieces tend to feature heavy, sentimental designs like love knots, woven hair compartments, and rich, high-carat yellow gold settings. Art Deco items pivot towards geometric symmetry, crisp lines, and platinum-topped yellow gold mounts designed to highlight the brilliance of diamonds.

How can I tell the age of my gold jewellery?

Hallmarks stamped into the metal often provide specific date letters, assay office symbols, and maker's marks that pinpoint the exact year of manufacture. Stylistic elements like stone cuts, clasp types, and overall construction methods also offer strong clues to the decade of origin.