In the course of many attempts to develop cheaper alternative materials for gold or to discover any, an English material particularly stands out. The influential London watchmaker Christopher Pinchbeck invented in 1720 a copper-based alloy, which came so close to the optical qualities of real gold as no other. It is about a secret recipe of the family Pinchbeck, which was further used by Christopher’s descendants, watchmakers as well. Pinchbeck became very popular after its development-creation and partly brought royal privileges to the family. The jewellery parts made from the special material were not inferior in its creativity to the haptic, optical and emotional effect of real gold jewellery!
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