The Timeless Art of Filigree

Some jewelry trends never go out of style. Filigree is one of them.

Filigree is a dance between metal and air.

For the past 5,000 years, artisans have been using this metalworking technique to craft breathtaking pieces of jewelry. The process is relatively simple; the results are anything but.    

Early Greek and Etruscan artisans would pound pieces of metal (usually gold or silver) into lengths of slender wire. Then, by curling, twisting, or braiding, they'd shape the wire into delicate, open, lacy patterns.

The pieces of filigree could then be soldered together to make larger pieces. Sometimes, a craftsman would solder filigree to a solid sheet of metal, adding strength to one and delicacy to the other. Using this method, he could adorn larger objects like boxes, tea sets, chalices, and menorahs. 

Real filigree is always made by hand.

Over the centuries, more and more cultures fell in love with filigree. Each developed its own distinctive style. Irish craftsmen wove intricate knots from lengths of silver wire. Norwegians hung gold dangles from the elaborate filigree pieces both men and women wore with their traditional costumes. 

    

Flowers and leaves are traditional motifs.

Exceptional filigree jewelry is still being made all around the world. Some is traditional; some is more contemporary. Look for pieces made in Spain, Portugal, India, Russia, and Greece. Whichever style you prefer, you'll be wearing a real piece of art.

A cuff bracelet with a contemporary feel.

Get Creative with Cameos

Cameos have a reputation for being … let’s say, prim. But when worn creatively, these miniature works of art mark you as a woman who knows beauty never goes out of style.     

Steward has a number of lovely shell cameos here at the shop. Most are unset, so Steward can work with you to create a special piece of jewelry. Here are some ideas to get you started:

A stunning centerpiece for a lariat necklace.

• Have your cameo mounted on a white or yellow gold hair pin or hair clip to wear with a simple, contemporary black dress.
• Have a ring designed around your cameo. The setting can be large or small, simple or elaborate, depending on your taste.
• Make your cameo the focal point of a cuff bracelet, dressy belt buckle, or lariat slide necklace.
• If you have two small matching cameos, have your jeweler mount them onto cufflinks to add flair to a crisp white blouse and a business or dressy suit. Or, create a cool pair of earrings.

An unusual pair of cameo earrings.

 

If you choose a cameo that’s already set in a pin or brooch, you can:

• Fasten it to a headband or hat for a funky bohemian/vintage look
• Pin it above the knot in a silk scarf
• Pin it to the front of a dressy handbag
• Wear it as a pendant (many cameo brooches have settings designed to let you do this.)

One of Steward's cameos, mounted in 10k yellow gold.