How do you use a vinaigrette?

A vinaigrette is opened to reveal an internal pierced metal grille that sits above a scented sponge. The user inhales the vapours released through the decorative piercing. Unlike standard perfume bottles that contained liquid scents, vinaigrettes held solid or liquid-soaked aromatics within a secure box or flask. The inner grille was removable to allow the sponge to be refreshed.

How are Victorian and Georgian bottles told apart?

Georgian bottles often exhibit neoclassical restraint, simpler cut glass patterns, or delicate enamel work typical of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Silver mounts from this era follow earlier stylistic conventions. Victorian pieces tend to display bolder colours like ruby and opaline glass alongside more eclectic or heavily engraved silver mounts. Hallmarks stamped on the silver mounts provide definitive year letters to confirm the exact period of manufacture.

What materials were used?

Maker workshops relied primarily on sterling silver and cut or coloured glass, including ruby, Bristol green, amethyst and opaline varieties. Some exceptional pieces incorporate enamel with hand-painted scenes. Internal elements utilised silver gilt to prevent the pungent salts from tarnishing the base metal. Lids and collars were frequently hinged or threaded to ensure an airtight seal.