How do I date my lamp?

Dating relies on stylistic clues and construction methods. Victorian pieces often feature ornate brass castings and heavy proportions, while Art Deco examples display streamlined geometric forms from around nineteen-thirty. Examining the wiring, switches, and interior hardware also provides clues to the manufacturing period, though many older lamps have been modernised for contemporary use.

Were these always electric lamps?

Many examples on this page started life as oil lamps or fluid burners before being converted to electricity at a later date. Standard lamps and table lamps from the nineteenth century originally burned paraffin or oil. Conversion work often involves drilling through the stone or metal base to run modern flex, preserving the decorative exterior while updating the functionality.

How should I clean the onyx?

Onyx is a relatively soft, calcareous stone that reacts poorly to acidic cleaners, alcohol, or abrasive cloths. Dusting with a dry microfibre cloth is the safest method for routine maintenance. For stubborn grime, a damp cloth with mild, neutral soap can be used, provided the stone is dried immediately. Care must be taken to keep moisture away from the metal mounts and electrical components.

What is the difference between onyx and marble?

Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from recrystallised carbonate minerals, showing cloudy or granular patterns. Onyx used in these lamps is typically a banded form of calcite, offering a more translucent appearance. Both materials were employed interchangeably by makers in the Victorian and Edwardian periods to provide a heavy, decorative base for lighting.