Gold plating vs. gilding antique mirror?

May 28, 2012

Q. I am having an inherited antique pier mirror from early 1800's refinished and have come across bright gold-colored metal. How can we tell if it's gilded or gold-plated? We don't know how to proceed. AND we don't want to offend the ancestors! :)

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Pamela Brown
- MEMPHIS, Tennessee, USA

June 6, 2012

A. That is a job for a professional metals conservator. Try AIC website(American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works) - members list. Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Zagreb, Croatia

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