Delicate jewelry work featuring intricate patterns made from fine twisted threads of gold or silver wire, often soldered together to create lace-like openwork designs. The technique can also involve filling spaces with enamel or gems.
From Spanish 'filigrana,' ultimately from Latin 'filum' (thread) and 'granum' (grain), literally meaning 'thread grain.' The term evolved to describe the fine wire threads that create grain-like textural effects in the finished metalwork.
Portuguese filigree artisans in the town of Gondomar still use techniques unchanged since the 18th century, twisting gold wire so fine it's almost invisible into elaborate heart-shaped earrings that seem made of golden lace! Each piece requires such skill that master filigree workers are considered living cultural treasures.
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