fil·i·gree | ˈfi-lə-ˌgrē
noun
Thin strands of wire that are intricately interlaced or bent into rosettes, spirals, scrolls, or vines
Filigree refers to the thin strands of wire that are often interlaced or bent in jewelry to form shapes such as vines, spirals, or scrolls. The wire typically is crafted with silver or gold and may come in one of several different forms, including plaited or twisted. It may be plain as well. There are two types of filigree generally used in jewelry. The first of these involves soldering the gold or silver wire to a separate metal base. The second type involves creating an openwork design with the filigree wire, without using a separate metal backing. This type was commonly used in 15th century jewelry in Europe. Examples of filigree are also found in historical examples of Jewish marriage rings, peasant jewelry in the Iberian peninsula and in some mourning rings in England.
