About lace and antique lace.

Antique lace:

A clear definition of lace is very complex. A simple but valid definition could be "a lot of holes surrounded with thread". The term "lace" covers indeed a great variety of openwork fabrics but lace is more than techniques. It stands for history, glamour, romance, fashion, status, workmanship, Lace can be defined as antique lace when it has reached an age of 100 years or more.
Almost every lace making technique was developed in Belgian provinces; therefore Belgium is often called the cradle of lace. Already in the 15th century, Charles the Fifth decided that lace making was to be taught in Belgian schools and convents. A lot of old lace has been preserved under good circumstances. During the last centuries, lace collections were built up by the upper class. Beautiful and precious lace was handed on from generation to generation without ever being used. Used or washed antique lace is of course sold too, although it is not worth as much as unused lace. Little rust-coloured spots and discoloration do not make lace decrease in value though.

New lace:

Belgian lace and lace in general is becoming a rather rare product. Lace workers make less lace for commercial ends. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of lace shops in Flanders that sell products like lace tablecloths, christening gowns of lace, lace breadbaskets, Christmas ornaments on lace, lace wedding veils, lace mantillas, lace handkerchiefs, lace bookmarks, lace blouses, lace cushions, lace doilies, lace runners, lace centre pieces,... You can read more about the different lace styles in our lace glossary

Interesting lace subjects:

History of lace:
Belgium is often called the cradle of lace because almost every lace making technique was developed in the Belgian provinces. Already in the 15th century, Charles the Fifth decided that lace making was to be taught in Belgian schools and convents. In the 16th century, the demand for linen rose because of new concepts about hygiene. In Flanders (Belgium), the people started to wear shirts and blouses with fine linen borders for aesthetic reasons. In Dutch, the word for borders is "kanten" from which "kant" (Dutch for lace) is derived. Bobbin lace developed from knotting and trimming (= or from passementerie) and needle lace from embroidery…
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Materials used in and for antique lace:
Materials used in and for new lace:
The two main techniques of making lace are needlepoint or needle lace and bobbin lace. Needle lace, also called Renaissance or Brussels lace, is a speciality from Brussels whereas bobbin lace is chiefly found in Bruges. In the 18th century, bobbin lace became an important competitor to needle lace, especially because it was less expensive. Bobbin lace requires more equipment…
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The use of lace:
In the beginning of the 16th century, lace was mainly ecclesiastical, as in altar cloths and ruffles on clerical garments. Lace appears on clothing around 1500. The clothes of both adults and children were of an extraordinary magnificence, being made of beautiful materials with luxurious finery. Part of this finery was the decoration of linen that was then used extensively on outer clothing. Linen trimming developed into small wavy collars or ruffs and cuffs, out of which grew the wavy collar and wide cuff, bordered with lace…
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Imitations and counterfeits in lace:
Fakes and counterfeits in lace:
Today, European handmade lace is a valuable thing, and therefore, often created for a special occasion or reason such as a veil for a wedding or a christening gown for a baptism. Handmade European tablecloths and center pieces are bought as special gifts…
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Origin of lace:
Openwork weaves have been found in the sarcophagi of ancient Egypt. The ancient Romans used light weaves such as gauze and muslin for voiles and veils. These were decorated with embroidery and trimmings and finished with fringes…
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