Pinchbeck (Noun)
Meaning
An alloy of copper and zinc that is used in cheap jewelry to imitate gold.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- The salesman warned the customer that the necklace was made of pinchbeck and would likely tarnish quickly.
- In the 18th century, pinchbeck was a popular material for costume jewelry because of its affordability.
- Despite its cheap appearance, the pinchbeck brooch held sentimental value for its owner.
- The antique dealer carefully examined the antique ring, determining that it was actually made of pinchbeck rather than gold.
- At the flea market, vendors often sold pinchbeck trinkets as genuine gold, hoping to deceive unsuspecting buyers.