However, here are some basic terms that may be useful :

•  Gilding: the technique of gilding in hollow patterns or words. The technique has been enriched over time and today we have colour foils (matte or metallic) which enable the marking in hollow of all possible tints. The tone-on-tone marking (without colour) is also possible; it has historically been designated as blind stamping. The term of embossing is a contemporary Anglicism, originating from the English "to emboss" which means engraving in a broad sense. However, these three terms refer to the same technique.

• Tools : the markings are made with the use of various tools : gilding irons, castors, creations in brass, magnesium, stamping machines (composters?) …

• Embossing : a technique of relief marking that requires a specific tool and a counter-tool. It can be realised on various types of unfinished supports.

• Bronze gilt-embossing (?): a mix of the two previous techniques: the pattern is marked in colour (gilt or of any colour) and then embossed in relief. (For example: the Dior 's constellation in the previous pages)

• Impression or printing : refers to the printed paperwork (?), but is also a generic term just as the engraving.

• Stamping: the technique of embossing on paper.

The lexical field of the techniques of gilding, engraving, binding, sheathing ... is of course much vaster, but we will be at your disposal and will do our very best to to answer your questions and comply with your demands.