Example of French Gold Hallmark
Posted inGold Metalware

French Gold

French Gold. France was the birthplace of the modern hallmarking system in Europe with the Goldsmiths Statute of 1260 promulgated under Etienne Boileau, Provost of Paris, for King Louis IX.…
Posted inGold, Metalware
ART DECO DIAMOND AND MULTI-GEM VANITY CASE
Posted inGemstones

Hardstone

Hardstone. Hardstones are precious or semi-precious gemstones which can be used for intaglios or mosaics etc. Reference: Lexico. During the Art Deco era hardstones were extremely popular in jewelry, vanity case,…
Posted inGemstones
French Art Deco Gold Mounted Agate, Hardstone and Coral Miniature Footed Bowl
Posted inGemstones

Coral

Many forms of coral are now a protected species so care should always be taken to make sure that any item containing this gemstone is a genuine antique. The most…
Posted inGemstones
ART DECO SILVER AND ENAMEL DRESSING TABLE SET
Posted inGlossary

Enamel

There are many different types of enamel including cloisonne, champleve and painted enamel. In the Art Deco era, vitreous enamel was popular. This technique involved fusing glass over metal which…
Posted inGlossary
English Art Deco Sterling Silver and Yellow Guilloche Enameled Folding Travel Clock Birmingham, circa 1929
Posted inGlossary

Engine Turning

Engine turning was a popular way of decorating metal items during the Art Deco era. It was particularly used on watch faces as well as cigarette cases. Both silver and…
Posted inGlossary
A JEWELLED ROCK-CRYSTAL ART DECO CIGARETTE CASE, PROBABLY CARTIER, PARIS, CIRCA 1925
Posted inGlossary

Rock Crystal

Rock crystal, transparent variety of the silica mineral quartz that is valued for its clarity and total lack of colour or flaws. Vessels and spheres have been carved from large…
Posted inGlossary
Art Deco Diamond and Onyx Brooch
Posted inGlossary

Diamond

Art Deco diamond jewelry often followed the geometric designs which were fashionable during the era. They were often paired with other gemstones such as onyx to give bold displays. As…
Posted inGlossary
Art Deco 14K yellow gold and enamel minaudiere
Posted inGlossary

Minaudière

A minaudière is a small case which can hold a variety of objects such as lipstick or cigarette holder, compact or other makeup accessory. The minaudière appeared during the 1930s.…
Posted inGlossary