The art of Filigree is a traditional metal craft that has developed in a number of countries around the world. I have tried making jewellery, so was keen to give Filigree a try for myself, whilst in Kosovo earlier this year. This ancient technique produces some beautiful jewellery, and is great for a souvenir or gift.
Technique
Most Filigree items are formed from thin lengths of wire, of mostly silver or gold. Intricate designs are created by twisting, rolling and weaving, often for many hours, before soldering and sealing items. There are factories producing Filigree, but the traditions applied by those that still make items by hand are largely the same.
Origin
It’s believed that Filigree originated in Mesopotamia and Egypt around 3,000 BC but spread through Asia and parts of Europe. Becoming popular in the Balkans during the Ottoman period, many filigree traditions have remained. Some of the best places to find Filigree around the world include:
Kosovo
In Prizren there were jewellers and traders, on every corner selling Filigree items made in the workshops around the city. Many are cooperatives, where people work and create items by hand.
Traditional methods include blowing into a tube over a flame in order to solder the pieces together.
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- Wire outlines and bits
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- Soldering
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- production line
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- finished piece
The work benches were set up like a production line, with pieces in varying stages of completion and everyone working on something a bit different.
With enough time, you can arrange to create something for yourself, but you will need patience as the intricacy is very fiddly and takes time.
Macedonia
Filigree is also popular in Macedonia and in particular, Ohrid which is popular with visitors during the summer season. The style of Filigree in this area is similar to what we saw in Kosovo, it’s neighbour. Here it is possible to find pieces which include the famous Ohrid pearl or Macedonian Ruby.
Ohrid is a great place to have some unique Filigree jewellery crafted, although prices are certainly reflective of the work involved.
India
There are several places in India where Filigree is made, so another reason to explore the country.
Orissa, in the East, is particularly well know as the home to many families who craft Filigree items. Many items are exported, and better known around the world as Tarakasi.
Some styles of Filigree in India also features on auspicious items such as Gods, Goddesses and temples although jewellery is more common in current years.
Other countries
I’ve seen Filigree and similar crafts in many countries on my travels, for example Portugal, Malta and Greece. I’m sure there are many other places around the world, I’m going to be keeping an eye out on my travels.
