What periods do these charms come from?

The pieces span multiple eras, beginning with eighteenth-century curtain tie backs and extending through Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. Mid-century examples from the nineteen-fifties also appear alongside French antique and vintage items.

How were these charms used originally?

Many items functioned as personal talismans worn on bracelets or necklaces as pendants and medals. Others served practical daily functions as watch keys, seals or propelling pencils. Larger decorative objects from the eighteenth century were utilised as architectural curtain tie backs.

What materials are used in these pieces?

Construction relies primarily on yellow gold in nine carat, fifteen carat and eighteen carat purities, supplemented by gilt metal. Vitreous enamel provides the colourful surface decoration across the objects. Accents frequently include seed pearls, diamonds and mother of pearl set into the metalwork.

How do I identify French antique charms?

French pieces often take the form of specific cultural motifs like Virgin Mary medals, gambling card charms and Maltese crosses. They frequently employ intricate plique-a-jour enamel and high-purity eighteen carat yellow gold. Stylistic markers align with French antique and vintage design movements of the early twentieth century.