What pieces belong in a vanity set?

A standard antique vanity set generally includes glass jars with silver lids, a hand mirror, hair and clothes brushes, and occasionally perfume bottles or manicure instruments. Many are housed together in a fitted wooden dressing box lined with velvet or silk. Larger travelling sets incorporate razors, soap containers, and cologne bottles designed for carriage use, while simpler sets focus strictly on tabletop display pieces.

How do I care for antique silver and glass?

Maintain silver components by gently cleaning them with a soft microfibre cloth and a reputable polish, avoiding abrasive pastes that might wear down embossed details or guilloche enamel work. Glass and crystal bottles benefit from warm soapy water and careful air drying. Keep wooden outer cases away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity to prevent the timber veneer from warping or cracking over time.

How do I distinguish Edwardian sets from Art Deco ones?

Edwardian vanity sets tend to feature flowing floral motifs, ribbon-and-reed embossing, and sterling silver mounted alongside clear cut glass. They often evoke an ornate, classical aesthetic typical of the early twentieth century. Art Deco sets, by contrast, display geometric shapes, streamlined engine-turning, and vibrant guilloche enamel in shades of blue, green, or pink, reflecting the modern design ethos of the 1920s and 1930s.