In the mid-18th century the process of fire-gilding was developed in France. Later on it was discovered that workers involved in this work became blind due to their exposure to mercury which was used in the process & it was banned. In modern times electrolysis is used to bond the gold. This method is safe. Vermeil jewellery has been popular since the 19th century & it has gained great popularity as it makes gold collectibles more affordable.
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Here at The Vintage Compact Shop we are probably best known for our fine collection of compact mirrors & handbag compacts. What you may not know is that we also have a wide variety of vintage handbags and purses in our collection as well. We are big fans of fine mesh purses as well as enamel and French chatelaine coin purses.
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The great Parisian goldsmiths Henin & Cie were born in the nineteenth century. At the heart of the historic city of Paris, the Marais was the noted jewellery quarter. It was in this locality that the nobility would go to buy luxurious jewellery and items made from high grade silver and gold.
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The Elgin American story started when Max Eppenstein began working in the jewellery quarter of New York in the late 1870s. In 1880 Solomon Eppenstein joined his brother and together they ran the M C Eppenstein & Company, (aka Eppenstein Brothers Company). The premises were located at 67 Washington St, Chicago. Initially the firm was only involved in the wholesale jewellery trade.
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The Evans Case Company of North Attleboro, MA was a huge concern making accessories in America. Manufacturing between 1920 and 1960. Colonel Obed Robinson who was a skilled blacksmith & clock maker began a jewellery / jewelry business in Attleboro in 1807. The 1812 war meant that soldiers needed buttons & so production was changed to suit this purpose.
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Art Nouveau style was first seen in the early 1800s & was almost gone by the time WWI began. Art Nouveau structures graced city spaces, public buildings & also the homes of the wealthy throughout Europe & America. It can be said to be a movement that touched every aspect of life. Instead of being confined to galleries this art is seen in everyday items & transformed them into art. From architecture to textiles, furniture, glassware, jewellery (jewelry), accessories, pottery & graphic design - the world influenced by Art Nouveau was a more beautiful place.
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