Antique 1818 Georgian silver gilt vinaigrette marked L.T. Laurence Twentyman? Beautiful decoration, amazing flower decorations, clear Hallmark for the year, etc. Not sure on the maker's mark; could it be L.T ?Very collectible, with some minor age-related wear. It is over 200 years old !? 3 cm wide 2 cm deep, and 1 cm tall This exquisite little vinaigrette (a vinaigrette box is a small decorative box, historically used to hold a sponge soaked in a fragrant vinegar solution, often worn as a personal accessory). These boxes were designed to mask unpleasant odors encountered in public spaces, acting as a personal scent diffuser. The box typically featured an outer case with a lid and an inner hinged or pull-out grill, under which the sponge was placed.
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Silver-gilt, also known as gilded silver or vermeil, is a type of silver object that has been coated with a layer of gold. This process, known as gilding, gives the silver a gold appearance. Many large, seemingly gold objects, such as sporting trophies and some crown jewels, are actually silver-gilt.
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Key characteristics of silver-gilt:
Base Metal:
The foundation of silver-gilt is typically sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% other metals).
Gold Coating:
A layer of gold, often 18-carat gold or higher, is applied to the silver. The gold layer must meet certain thickness requirements, such as being at least 2.5 microns thick according to AC Silver,.
Appearance:
The gold layer provides a gold-like appearance, making the piece look like it is made entirely of gold.
Common Uses:
Silver-gilt is used in a variety of decorative and functional objects, including jewellery, tableware, trophies, and ceremonial items.
Historical Context:
Gilding techniques have been used since ancient times, with examples found in Egypt and the Near East dating back to the third millennium BC, according to Ancient & Oriental. The process involves applying gold leaf or using other methods to adhere gold to the silver surface.
Modern Applications:
In modern jewellery, silver-gilt (often referred to as 'vermeil') is a popular choice, offering a more affordable alternative to solid gold jewellery. Arthus Bertrand, for example, utilises silver-gilt in their jewellery collections, mixing it with other materials like silver.