Glossary

Why does your store have a glossary?

A field guide to the language of antiques.

The world of antiques may be a complete mystery to some of you, so we thought we'd put together a short, handy guide to help you navigate these exciting new waters. So if you don't know your Art Deco from your Art Nouveau, read on...

Art Deco

A style popular from 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 a Hercule Poirot Christmas special.

 

Art Nouveau

Originating in the 1890s in France (and popular until around 1910), Art Nouveau is known for its 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.

 

Assay

The official testing of precious metal to verify its purity before a hallmark is applied. Essentially the antiques world's version of a background check.

 

Bakelite

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

It even became a hugely popular jewellery material in the 1920s.

 

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 engraved 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 — he was known for a decadent, elaborate style.

 

Cloisonné

An ancient enamelling technique where thin metal strips are soldered onto a surface to form compartments, each filled with coloured enamel, then fired and polished smooth. Common in Chinese and Japanese decorative arts, and a hallmark (pun intended) of much Asian cloisonné ware.

 

Damascene

A decorative technique where gold or silver wire is inlaid into a darker metal, typically steel, to create intricate patterns. Originating in the Middle East and popularised in Spain (Toledo, specifically), it's a favourite in antique jewellery and small objets.

 

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 jewellery. A sadly dying art, this technique was especially popular at the end of the 19th century.

 

Foxing

The small brown or yellowish spots that appear on old paper, ivory, or bone over time — caused by age, humidity, and the slow march of time. Not a flaw, more a signature.

 

Hallmark

A small official stamp applied to gold, silver, and platinum items, certifying the metal's purity and often revealing the maker, the assay office, and the year of manufacture. Essentially an antique's birth certificate, hidden in plain sight.

 

Marquetry

The art of applying pieces of veneer to a structure to form decorative patterns, images, or designs — essentially wooden mosaic. A favourite of 18th and 19th century cabinet makers showing off.

 

Ormolu

Gilded bronze or brass, used to decorate furniture, clocks, and porcelain from the 18th century onwards. French in origin (or moulu, "ground gold"), and about as opulent as decorative metalwork gets.

 

Patina

The soft sheen or discolouration that forms on a surface — wood, metal, or otherwise — through age and handling. The reason a 200-year-old silver teapot looks better than one made last Tuesday.

 

Provenance

The documented history of an object's ownership, used to establish authenticity and, often, a good story. The antiques equivalent of a CV.

 

Repoussé

Literally "pushed out," this is a fancy French term for embossing — or more precisely, the secondary process of chasing the metal that's been embossed, to refine the design. As seen on the golden mask of Tutankhamun's mummy.

 

Rococo

If you're after a tasteful, minimalist style for 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 all the rage.

Playful and informal, Rococo has made a comeback in the world of vintage jewellery.