What is a bijouterie table?

A bijouterie table is a specialised display piece featuring a glazed top or compartment. It was designed for keeping and viewing small personal valuables. These tables sit at a height that allows seated inspection of the contents resting inside the velvet-lined or fabric-lined interior.

How do I clean the glass?

Cleaning the glass requires a soft cloth and a mild glass cleaner applied sparingly. Care must be taken to avoid spraying liquid directly onto surrounding timber or metal mounts. Purchasers should wipe gently around the joints where glass meets mahogany or brass to prevent moisture from seeping into the historic frame.

Where should I place it?

These display tables suit drawing rooms, studies or hallways where natural light can illuminate the contents within the case. Direct sunlight should be avoided to protect both the timber finish and the displayed items. Placement near seating areas allows guests to easily look down through the glass top at the collection inside.

How do I date an Edwardian piece?

Dating an Edwardian piece involves examining the specific style of inlay, timber preparation and hardware construction. Pieces from this era often utilise mahogany with delicate stringing or satinwood banding. Comparison with documented examples from the early twentieth century helps confirm the period characteristics of the frame and glass housing.