Limoges porcelain: history, Haviland, Bernardaud and how to read the marks
Limoges porcelain explained: the 1768 kaolin discovery, the royal manufactory, Haviland and Bernardaud, and how to read the Limoges marks on your china.
Nick and Nora glass: history, shape and how to choose a crystal set
Nick and Nora glass explained: its 1930s Thin Man origins, how it differs from martini and coupe glasses, the cocktails it suits and choosing a crystal set.
How to tell if silver is real: hallmarks, plate and home tests
How to tell if silver is real: read silver hallmarks and sterling silver marks, spot silver plate, try home tests and know when a professional assay is needed.
Cognac glass: snifter, tulip or balloon and why shape matters
How to choose a cognac glass: brandy snifter vs tulip glass vs balloon, why shape changes the aromas, how to hold it and which crystal suits cognac or armagnac.
Martini glass: a style guide to shapes, crystal and choosing a set
Martini glass guide: V-shape or coupe, stemmed or stemless, crystal or glass, the right capacity, how to chill it and how to choose a luxury set that lasts.
Bone china vs porcelain: the real differences and which to choose
Bone china vs porcelain: how hard-paste, soft-paste and bone china differ in strength, colour, translucency and care, and which to choose for your table.
Oyster plate: history, shapes and how to serve oysters at a formal table
The oyster plate explained: Limoges and majolica history, shapes and wells, how to serve oysters at a formal table, champagne pairings and care for the plates.
Buccellati: the Milanese goldsmith house, its silver and its craft
Buccellati, the Milanese goldsmith house since 1919: Mario Buccellati, rigato and telato engraving, silver animals, Tahiti tableware and how to care for silver.
Fornasetti: Piero, Lina Cavalieri and the art of collecting plates
Fornasetti explained: Piero Fornasetti and Gio Ponti, Tema e Variazioni and Lina Cavalieri, how the plates are made, and how to display and collect them.
Gifts for someone who has everything: a curator’s guide
Gifts for someone who has everything, chosen like a curator: heirloom silver, crystal and collectible editions from houses such as Baccarat and Fabergé.