The language of the antiques world is littered with unusual terms and descriptive phrases, which to the novice collector can seem bewildering.
Homes and Antiques has compiled a useful dictionary as a brief introduction into 'antique speak'. Some of these words you'll probably be familar with already, others may surprise you.
Our A to Z will take you from Affronted to Zaffre, so you'll be able to distinquish your mailoica from majolica, and your chinoiserie from cloisonne. Like any dictionary, new words spring up from time to time and definitions can change. Did you know, for instance, that a 'ring' can be an item of jewellery or a dishonest partnership in an auction?
Click on each of the letters above to access our full A to Z listing of 'antiques speak'.
Is there a shop near you that deserves special recognition? Perhaps it is a
family run business, maybe it offers a special service not seen anywhere
else, or it could sell an unique range of unusual products. If so, we’d love
to hear from you – please write to us at the address on page 4, marking your
letter ‘Secret Shops’, or email us at secretshops@
homesandantiques.com
