Glossary

As with any niche, hobby or collection, there will always be jargon in the specific area of interest which may appear to be daunting and difficult to understand at first. As part of our desire to make the wonderful world of antiques further renown globally, we have provided a short and concise definition/explanations of antique jargon you may come across, either as a newcomer or even as a long time collector that are key to an enjoyable and knowledge-rich antique collecting.

Please click on the words below for the definitions of each term.

 

Antique

Acanthus (Design)

Acid Test

Assay
Cartouche
Cast Silver
What is Cast Silver?

Chasing

Champleve

Cloisonne

Engine Turned
Gadrooning
What is Gadrooning?

Gold Plate

Guilloche (Enamel)

Hallmarks

Minerva (Hallmark)

Monteith a silver monteith

Niello

Repousse

Silver (Sterling)

Silver (Plate)

Silver Gilt

What is silver gilt

Thumb-Piece

Trompe L'oeil

Vermeil

Vintage