The Encyclopedia · Settings & techniques
Millegrain
A border of tiny beads along the edge of a setting, typical of Belle Époque and Edwardian jewels.
Millegrain, French for a thousand grains, is a fine border of tiny metal beads applied along the edge of a setting or a line of metal. It was made with a special wheel and gave platinum jewels of the Belle Époque and Edwardian years their soft, lace-like finish, and it remained popular in Art Deco work.
Millegrain catches the light and makes the metal look finer and more delicate around the stones.
What to look for
Original millegrain softens with wear. Very sharp, regular beading on an old jewel may indicate later re-finishing.
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