Tinsel - the glitter on a Christmas tree.

Since the end of the 19th century, Christmas trees have been decorated with tinsel as a symbol of the covering of ice and snow under which new life gathers strength during the winter. Today, tinsel is at best made from tin foil (attractive but not environmentally friendly), aluminium foil or even plastic. This is the real thing.

Real tinsel.
'Leonic' silvered wire.

Leonic wire - named after Lyon in France or Leon in Spain, depending on which legend of origin you believe - is a remarkable product made by metal beaters and wire drawers. Fine copper wire is drawn and then coated with real silver or gilded with brass.
For centuries Leonic wire has been used for braids, edgings, wirework embroidery, jewellery and chains. When this wire is beaten or rolled into flat bands, they become 'tinsel' - and are used for uniform decorations and on Christmas trees. Real tinsel has a quality and shine that is far superior to more modern versions and it can be used time and again.