Filigree

Definition and Characteristics of Filigree

• Filigree is intricate metalwork used in jewelry and small forms of metalwork.
• It is usually made of gold and silver.
• Filigree is created with tiny beads or twisted threads, or both.
• The metalwork is soldered together or to the surface of an object.
• It is arranged in artistic motifs, often suggesting lace.

History of Filigree

• Filigree has been part of the ordinary work of jewelers throughout history.
• The Etruscans and Greeks used filigree in their jewelry.
• Ancient Mesopotamians incorporated filigree into jewelry since 3,000 BC.
• Telkari, a form of filigree, was developed in the 15th century in Midyat, Mesopotamia.
• Greek and Etruscan filigree reached its highest perfection in the 6th to 3rd centuries BC.

Filigree in Different Regions

• India, Iran, and parts of Central Asia have a long history of filigree work.
• Indian filigree workers retain the same patterns as ancient Greeks.
• Traditional filigree work in Cuttack, Odisha, revolves around images of deities.
• Silver filigree work is known in Karimnagar, Telangana state.
• Filigree work in Asia often involves fine grains or beads and spines of gold.
• Filigree work was introduced by the Moors in Spain during the Middle Ages.

Notable Examples of Filigree

• The Victoria and Albert Museum and British Museum house examples of Byzantine filigree work.
• The Cross of Lothair in Aachen is an example of filigree decoration.
• The Staffordshire Hoard discovered in England contains numerous examples of fine filigree.
• The Royal Irish Academy in Dublin contains reliquaries and personal jewels with filigree ornamentation.
• The Tara Brooch, housed in the National Museum, is a notable example of Irish filigree work.

Methods of Fabrication and Uses

• Filigree is created by curling, twisting, and plaiting fine pliable threads of metal.
• Flux, such as borax, is used to unite the metal threads.
• Granulated motifs are made by melting precious metal wire or sheet into small beads.
• Frameworks of stouter wire are used to protect delicate filigree work.
• Filigree is commonly used in the fabrication of brooches, crosses, earrings, and buttons.
• Filigree is metaphorically used to describe intricate ornamental designs and is associated with delicate and artistic design.

Filigree Data Sources