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What's It Wednesday #8

Part of the reason I love collecting antiques is simply because of the history behind each piece. The other part of the reason is because of the sheer beauty of such found objets d'art.

Ormolu originally came from the French which meant to ground or pound gold. By the 18th-century the English used the term for applying very finely ground gold into a mercury mixture that was then applied to bronze. As you can imagine this was very dangerous. In fact, the artisans that originally applied this technique did not live to see age 50.

Around 1830, mercury was banned in France and the process evolved into a type of electro-plating. Ormolu is most commonly seen on decorative items such as tables, clocks, and vases. This ormolu casket jewelry box with velvet interior was an absolute steal. I purchased it for $2.00 at the local Goodwill because it has a hairline crack in the beveled glass top. Nothing a strain a pearls can't hide

It was love at first sight when I saw this French perfume bottle at a French antique store. The gold ormolu floral motif overlay over molded glass just made my heart skip a beat. 

This 24 karat gold plated double cherub perfume bottle with atomizer is my absolute favorite. 

This antique gold gilt ormolu has a beautiful leaf motif covering the glass perfume bottle.

Sometimes finding the right piece, for the right price, can take years. But that’s half of the fun. I had always wanted a French lace vanity tray. It was so worth the wait.

Patience lead to the perfect vignette for our dresser. I topped it off with the ormolu standing hand mirror. Nothing like a little gold to make a girl feel special. 

What have you collected that made your heart skip a beat?

xoxoxo

Paula

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