Its name, “filigree”, derives from the union of the Latin “filum”, which means “thread”, with “granum”, which means small bead. Filigrana is the Italian name for this art, while filigrane is the French one. Not only is filigree still a wonderful and renowned jewellery technique in contemporary design, but it was also, since ancient times, a key part of the art pieces made by the jewellers, as we can see in the masterpieces created by the Etruscans and the Greeks. From the 6th to the 3rd century B.C., it is said that filigree reached perfection.
Filigree has its origin in Mesopotamia and Egypt. From Asia, it was exported to Europe. Thanks to archaeology, we could find evidence in ancient Mesopotamia relics that filigree is incorporated into jewellery since 3.000 B.C. There was even a special form of filigree in Midvat (Mardin Province, Mesopotamia), that used silver and gold wires. This technique was called “telkari” and it is still used by local craftsmen until this day.
This ancient technique creates artworks with the finest beauty, often giving us the impression of being made with lace. Nowadays, it remains popular in India and Asia. In the past, it was common in Italy, France and Portugal, from 1660 to the late 19th century. In that time, filigree became very popular in French fashion.
4 авг 2024
