What the Heck Is Guilloché & Does It Sell?
Guilloché is a speciallized method of decorating metal that involves engraving and enamelling processes. In particular, it results in beautiful jewelry and in my [somewhat limited] experience, it sells well. I plan to continue to pick up pieces and sell them on Etsy, so I’ll report back!
Table of Contents
What is Guilloché
History of Guilloché
Where to Sell Guilloché
Guilloché Jewelry
— Pendant Examples
— Brooch Examples
— Earring Examples
Guilloché Vanity Jar Examples
Other Types of Guilloché
Other Blog Posts
What is Guilloché?
Guilloché is created using a specialized machine that methodically engraves metal with a precise, all-over design. Think”spirograph,” the popular children’s toy. Colored enamel powder is then applied and heated to produce a lovely decorative surface.
Above you can see examples of some of the designs (from vanity jars) that these machines are capable of.
History
In the 1500’s a type of lathe was invented in France for engraving ivory and wood precisely, in order to create geometric designs. Eventually, this technology was refined and the new “rose” lathe allowed engraving on harder surfaces, like metal.
After the metal was engraved, it would be enameled. The enamelling of the metal with colored glass powder (to which heat was applied) resulted in a product called guilloché (Gee-o-shay). It enjoyed great popularity from the 1750’s right up through the early 20th century.
Faberge used the process most significantly in the production of their famous “Faberge eggs” along with many other beautful objects, Victoria & Albert Museum.
Where to Sell Guilloché
I have only just begun to sell objects decorated with guilloché. I’ve had success selling two pieces (see below) on Etsy with very good results. I’ll continue to list pieces there and report back here on the outcome.
In addition, I’ve sold two small pendants with condition issues from my antique booth. Despite their flaws, both sold relatively quickly for $5 each.
Let’s take a look at some examples of this beautiful enamel work:
Jewelry
Pendants
1. A pretty guilloché locket (1 3/8 x 1 5/8″) with hand painted roses sold on Etsy for $23.77 (after a 10% coupon off $28)
2. Another pretty guilloché locket (1 1/4″ diameter) with hand-painted yellow flowers sold on Etsy for $24.
Brooches
An oval, antique guilloché brooch with hand-painted roses, value: $15-25
A set of three guilloché brooches with hand-pained roses.
1. Matte gold with amber rhinestones, value: $15-20
2. Bow-shaped with rhinestones, value: $15-20
3. Round, gold trimmed, value: $15-20
A pair guilloché brooches with hand-pained roses.
1. Round with faux pearls, value: $15-25
2. Round with gold spirals tipped with faux pearls, value: $15-22
Earrings
A pair guilloché earrings with hand-pained roses.
1. Green oval screw back earrings, value: $10-12
2. Square earrings with rhinestones, value: $10-15
Related Articles:
Vanity Jars
Three of the beautiful vanity jars you’ll see below [from my personal collection] were purchased in England when we lived there several years ago. The third I inherited from my sweet Grandma.
Related Articles:
An antique, English vanity jar with lovely pink guilloché lid, value: $60-90
An antique, English vanity jar with silver guilloché lid and blue, cut glass base, value: $60-90
An antique, English vanity jar with lovely peach guilloché lid and clear crystal base, value: $75-100
An antique, Regency-style vanity jar with lovely yellow guilloché lid with an oval, white guilloché center, value: $125-175
Other Items Decorated with Guilloché
The items you’ve seen in this article are not the only type to have guilloché enhancement. Other items you might come across:
- Perfume bottles
- Hand mirrors
- Brushes & combs
- Compacts
- Pocket watches
Other Blog Posts You’ll Enjoy
Final Thoughts
I don’t know about you, but I love learning about new-to-me vintage and antiques, especially if they’re good sellers. I’d love to hear about any experiences you’ve had with guilloché. Have you come across it in your vintage shopping? Sold any? If, so, where?
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This article is very interesting to me, you have just put a name to a set of my childhood jewelry pieces, a necklace and bracelet. I just went and checked, they do indeed have engraved metal and the little roses in enamel. Thank you for this delightful info. I always enjoy your articles.
So glad I could help Sandy! Thanks so much for putting a smile on my face today 🙂
Diana!
How timely this article is! I just discovered guilloche compact from the 1930s among my late aunt’s things…still in the box with the velvet lining! Of course I didn’t know what the heck guilloche was – and now I know! I know you are very busy but if you could share where I might find a value or list it for sale, I’d appreciate it. I don’t have an antique booth.
Thank you so much for your very informative posts!
Paula I
Yay! So glad I could help Paula. Value has a lot to do with where you plan to sell something as values can vary substantially depending on which platform you choose. That said, I usually start with eBay’s sold listings to get a feel for value. I’ve also written an article about 9 Free Ways to Price Antiques that might help.
Just like Sandy, I had some guilloche jewelry as a child; probably the same as hers–blue enamel hearts with pink roses! Bet it is still in the old jewelry box. I had never heard of guilloche before or purchased any although, I have seen it in antique booths. Thanx for teaching us all something new!