The term ormolu is derived from the French term ‘moulu’ which means finely minced or pounded gold.  During 18th century this term was used in English to signify finely powdered amalgamated mercury and gold of high carat which are applied to bronze objects. Ormolu resembles gold and is a product of gold and mercury alloy. Ormolu is commonly found in furniture, clock-cases, chandeliers, jewellery and antiques as decorative ornaments in the shapes of bows, ribbons, flowers, leaves and florets. During 19th century, Empire style furnishings had these decorations in common. They are tend to discolouration and may develop a brassy tinge as it ages.