More about French antiques
What is "Opaline"? Milk Glass and Opaque Crystal
The opaline is a tinted glass or crystal made either opaque or slightly opalescent.
The Story of Crystal Opaline
In France opalines are produced from 1782. The white milk was the most common color. The objects made, were bowls, baguiers, vases, mantelpieces. These luxurious handmade objects often receive a gilded bronze mounting.
In the XIXth century, from the reign of Charles X (1824 to 1830), the most appreciated color is cranberry (pigeon throat), whose particular purplish pink is obtained with gold salts.
Another color appears in this period the turquoise. Soon the yellow appears, but few models will...
What is "Vermeil" ?
You will often see on the description of sterling silver items, the word "vermeil". But what is "vermeil" ? Vermeil is a French word standing for sterling silver covered by a layer of gold (18K or 22K). Compared to its preciousness, vermeil is between sterling silver and gold. The use of vermeil is a mark of quality.
The hallmark for the vermeil is the same as the sterling silver hallmarks.
Decorate Your Home With a French Touch - 4 Ideas
Decorate Your Home With a French Touch - 4 Ideas
1/ A bronze lantern and a wrought iron guardrail to embellish your stairway
2/ Combine the styles on your walls
Hollywood Regency lighting and Belle Époque Paintings
The Engravers of Religious Medals
Talking Plates
