It is in 1500's China that Marco Polo discovered porcelain and brought it home to show his countrymen. It is only in the 18th century that a German alchemist finally deciphered the formula for porcelain.  This magical ingrediant is Kaolinic Powder. In 1768, in St. Yriex, near the town of Limoges, the purest Kaolin mine was discovered. This has lead to Limoges France being the most prominent producer of Porcelain in the world.  Painters, sculptors, and  engravers embellished the Limoges porcelain with various shapes and original patterns, giving it a truly artistic dimension. Royalties and heads of state chose to have their porcelain engraved and gradually Limoges Boxes became legend.  Limoges become the French capitol of porcelain production with 80% of it being exported. 

Today Limoges is the best tradition of quality Limoges Trinket Box is made of kaolin porcelain.  A stamp saying Limoges France will often tell if the box is authentic. In 1841 a law was passed saying that all Limoges boxes must be stamped with this marking. Some Limoges boxes are detailed more than others, as some have more  complexity in  the sculpture, and the colors which depict the knowledge, as well as number of firings. This is how collectors distinguish quality. boxes of quality are usually hand-painted and marked  peint mein (painted by hand). Porcelain Limoges boxes that are not hand painted sometimes will be decorated by transfers. Often when purchased in the states the supplier will include a certificate of Authenticity.