Victorian

Period in English furniture during the reign of Queen Victoria 1837-1901. Consists of a resurrection of many previous periods and revival imitations including: Gothic, Tudor, Elizabethan, Rococo, and Neoclassic style. This period had a focus on dark woods, heavy fabrics, embellishment, engagement with newly developed imitation materials that were facilitated by the Industrial Revolution, and a tendency towards eclecticism.

Filigree

Primarily refers to fine, ornate metalwork (mainly in gold, silver, or copper), that is intricately patterned and used as ornamentation or embellishment, particularly in fine jewelry making. More broadly, the term can refer to any ornamental openwork that is delicate or fine that resembles a metal filigree in its pattern, but in other mediums.

Finial

An ornamental, terminating piece that extends vertically from the apex of a design. In architecture, they are found at the tips of gables or spires, and in furniture, as top ornaments on cabinet corners, posts, or supports. Finial also refers to the decorative metal piece used to affix lampshades to table and floor lamps. They often take the shape of a ball, flame, flower, acorn, pineapple, or vase.

Patina

Term used to designate a shift in wear or change in material on the surface of furniture, due to age, exposure, and hand-rubbing. Usually used to describe a shift in color on metal as oxidization occurs such as the greenish tint, formed on copper or bronze after long exposure.