Why does your store have a glossary?

Art Deco

A style popular in the period 1918 - 1940 originating in France. Heavily stylized and streamlined with forms based on machines and abstract art as well as African art and ancient Egypt. 

Think Tutankhamun meets an Hercule Poirot Christmas Special.

Art Nouveau

Originating in the 1890's in France (and popular till around 1910), Art Nouveau is known for it's sinuous, organic, asymmetrical forms. 

If you've ever seen a lamp or figurine depicting an ethereal maiden in a long flowing dress, surrounded by dragonflies, chances are, this was it.

Bakelite

An early form of plastic invented by L.H. Baekeland in 1909 and used to make a variety of domestic objects. "That's not particularly exciting", I hear you say, but Bakelite was the first entirely synthetic plastic and antique Bakelite items are now displayed in museums and are sold for large sums. 

​It even became a very popular jewellery material in the 1920's.

Cartouche

A decorative motif in the form of a scroll of paper with rolled ends, bearing a picture, motif or monogram (what do you mean you don't have a family crest that you engrave on all your possessions?).

Also used to describe a frame, usually oval, decorated with scrollwork. 

Chippendale

No, not the strippers. Or the cartoon chipmunks. Rather Thomas Chippendale, an 18th Century English cabinet maker whose signature style inspired armies of copycats worldwide. ​

His work is not for the shy and timid as he was known for his decadent and elaborate style.

Filigree

A delicate embellishment in which fine, pliable threads of precious metal are twisted or curled into a design and then soldered onto (or into) the jewelry. An art that is sadly dying out, this method was popular at the end of the 19th Century. 

Repoussé

Literally "pushed out", this is just a fancy (French) term for embossing. Or to be more accurate, the secondary process of chasing the metal that has been embossed to refine the design. As seen on the golden mask of Tutankhamun's mummy.

Rococo

If you are looking for a tasteful, minimalist style in which to decorate your home, do not look to Rococo. During this period (early to mid-18th Century), before revolutions became the hottest thing in Europe, pastel colours and rustic scenes were the thing. 

Very playful and informal, Rococo has made a come back in the world of vintage jewellery.