Term for the Day: Ormolu

Ormolu detail on my dining table.

Ormolu—as a process—refers to the technique of applying very high-karat, finely ground gold to a bronze object. This is achieved by combining the gold with mercury which is then burned off in a kiln. Because of the dangerous side effects from the mercury, in 1830, other compounds were used to create a similar effect.


Loosely speaking, ormolu, refers to gilt bronze (or, as the French say, bronze doré). Used as decorative mounts for furniture, clocks, light fixtures, porcelain and fireplace tools, ormolu added a subtle elegance to the item to which it was affixed. Extremely popular during the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries, ormolu was created using a lost-wax casting technique wherein a mold was created of wax—allowing for great detail—and then melted away as the hot metals were added.

Ormolu wall sconce.

Highly regarded today as a benchmark for elegance, original furnishings with ormolu details and objects consisting entirely of this gilt bronze are still available in antique shops. Many furniture makers are again incorporating ormolu into modern reproductions as well.