Bronze d'oré, also known as ormolu or gilt bronze, was a decorative finish used on luxury furnishings in the 18th and 19th centuries. An application of finely ground high carat gold and mercury amalgam was placed on objects of bronze. When subjected to extremely high heat, the mercury evaporated, leaving behind a lustrous coating of gold.

 

Suspension chandeliers were designed to provide light by burning oil.  A wick would draw the oil (kerosene, whale or paraffin) and burn it.  These fixtures might have one central burning area or multiple arms holding oil fonts.  Some were designed to be lowered from the ceiling to provide more specific ambient light in a room.  With the advent of electricity in the late 1800s, they became less needed but are still lovely, large chandeliers that make a decided statement in today’s homes.