fil·i·gree | ˈfi-lə-ˌgrē
noun
Thin strands of wire that are intricately interlaced or bent into rosettes, spirals, scrolls, or vines
The wire is typically gold or silver and may be plain, twisted, or plaited.
There are two major styles of filigree. One style solders the wire to a metal base. The other style leaves the wire as an openwork design, without a metal backing. The latter is a characteristic of European jewelry made before the 15th century.
Filigree was used on Jewish marriage rings, as well as Spanish and Portuguese peasant jewelry. In England it is found on some mourning rings.
