The filigree, also less commonly spelt as
filagree, and formerly written filigrann or filigrene is a delicate kind
of jewellery metalwork made with tiny beads and or twisted threads,
usually of gold (the privileged material) and silver, soldered together
or to the surface of an object of the same metal and arranged in
artistic motifs, where there are plenty hearts, crosses and other
traditional themes.
The ornamental Portuguese filigree (filigrana portuguesa) is unique from
The ornamental Portuguese filigree (filigrana portuguesa) is unique from
other countries and has gain an higher artistic value, recognized worldwide!
The origin of this ancient art is not determined yet, is acknowledged that the practice was known to the Chinese and Indians, as well as the classical civilizations of the Mediterranean, including Greece and Rome. The Arabs have given a remarkable vitality to this artistic form of jewelery designing the extreme softness and delicacy of the filaments. However, when they arrived to the Iberian Peninsula, the art of filigree was already known and worked by Iberian peoples.
Currently, the pieces of filigree can be found with great visibility in the North of Portugal, often used throughout the traditional wedding dress and also in the female costume of Minho's folklore dancers.
The origin of this ancient art is not determined yet, is acknowledged that the practice was known to the Chinese and Indians, as well as the classical civilizations of the Mediterranean, including Greece and Rome. The Arabs have given a remarkable vitality to this artistic form of jewelery designing the extreme softness and delicacy of the filaments. However, when they arrived to the Iberian Peninsula, the art of filigree was already known and worked by Iberian peoples.
Currently, the pieces of filigree can be found with great visibility in the North of Portugal, often used throughout the traditional wedding dress and also in the female costume of Minho's folklore dancers.
