What is Filigree?
Written by Ciaran Vipond on Mar 11, 2022 | 0 Comments
Like any expert field, jewellery has its own vocabulary that can be a little confusing to those unfamiliar with the terms. Filigree is a perfect example, you may have seen it before but may not know exactly what it means.
Read on to find out what filigree is, where filigree is used, and how the Celtic artistry took filigree to another level.
What is Filigree?
Filigree is an ancient, expert metalwork technique using fine strips or rods of metal, carefully twisted and woven to create intricate patterns and detail. And here ancient truly means ancient, with artefacts decorated with filigree found from ancient Mesopotamia dating as far back as 3,000 BC!
A gold bead with delicate filigree found in the Royal Tombs of Ur.
Where is Filigree used?
Filigree is a go to metalwork technique used by expert craftspeople anywhere you might want or expect decoration. Unsurprisingly, it has been used for thousands of years in many cultures to decorate everything from fine jewellery, including crown jewels and royal crowns, to armor and religious artefacts - you might even spot it in some ornate gates or fences!
Gold filigree scroll design in a silver sword pommel found in France and dated to 9th-10thC.
Filigree in Celtic and Irish Metalwork
Ancient Irish metalsmiths were experts of the art of filigree. They created the intricate intertwined designs of celtic knot work using fine sterling silver and gold in ancient treasures like the Ardagh Chalice and the Tara Brooch.
Delicate filigree work set in panels on the Tara Brooch.
Indeed the incredibly intricate filigree of the Tara Brooch led one commentator in the London Times to remark that it was “more like the work of fairies than of human beings.”
Your own piece of Filigree
If you are taken with this beautiful metalwork technique and would like to have your own filigree piece please do get in touch. We have several expertly crafted pieces and we would be delighted to help you find the perfect one for you.
10mm Wide Ardagh Chalice Ring
€440.00
Filigree Celtic Cross
€800.00
Get In Touch
Have a question or something you're not entirely sure about when browsing our pieces? Please reach out. You can send us a note or give us a call—the Dublin workshop is here to make sure that you have a perfect experience from start to finish with My Irish Jeweler.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, to see what's new and upcoming. Join our Email list for early offers and special features.
Ciaran Vipond
My Irish Jeweler
Born in Co. Antrim and reared in Dublin, I was fascinated with Gaelic culture from an early age. I suppose it's not surprising given my mother inherited a grá for the Irish language from my grandfather, an Irish school headmaster. And that grá continues! My brother and sister are now Gaelic teachers here in Ireland, my niece is an award winning Irish dancer, and I proudly work to share Irish culture through our Irish and Celtic Jewelry at My Irish Jeweler!
I love researching and reading about the history of Irish design. It's at the core of what we do here at My Irish Jeweler. I find much of it so interesting that I have to share what I find. I hope you enjoy it!
Comments
Ask Gemma