Filigree Work: Romantic and Delicated Twisted Wire designs

Indian culture has many jewels which many of us not even aware of. One of them is Filigree work on silver. For thousands of years, Indian cultures have made filigree: delicate jewelry, decorative objects. Filigree refers to laces like decoration using gold or silver wire. It is ideal for arabesque designs. The wires or threads in filigree jewelry are often intricately intertwined or bent into swirls or rosettes. It is feminine, delicate, and alluring art form of jewellery.  



Filigree Brooches



Filigree work in silver is quite famous in India, especially in eastern India.  Silver Filigree is the most delicate and exquisite rendition of Silver handicraft. This fine art has been an integral and coveted part of the Indian culture from ancient times. It is done with patience because it involves technicality. Basically filigree work is done on silver before it was used on gold.  Filigree is created through the careful application of intricate detailing, in the form of a thin metal overlay finish, which is swirled across the surface of the silver jewellery to give it a light, woven effect.



Filigree Bangles



Filigree Ring


India has its unique importance in the field of filigree work. Indian artisans are inspired by Greek filigree work. Even today the same old style and pattern is followed. Beautiful designs of flowers and peacocks are carved on pendants.



Filigree Hairpin

 


Filigree Pendant

 

In India the art of filigree jewelry is very popular in Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. In India, filigree work is known by different names, in Orissa it is called ‘Tarkashi’. It is also done in Andhra Pradesh, its 'Karim Nagar' is mainly known for this work. In Orissa, filigree is localized at Cuttack town and a few villages in Cuttack district. Silver filigree has been an important export items of Orissa from ancient times and has been a symbol of the dizzy heights of excellence reached by Orissa's craftsmen.



Filigree Necklace




Filigree Tray



This work involves beating and drawing pure silver metal into fine and thin wires, which are then crafted together to form elegant patterns.  This jewelry is often floral in design and made from sterling silver.Filigree work is not only useful in making jewelry, but also to make different kinds show pieces, trays, bowls, spoons, plates, ash-trays, incense containers and many more decorative pieces. The Konark Chakra and Konarak sun temple are great favorites as mementos. Various types of filigree jewellery like pendants, earrings, hairpins, brooches, etc. are today available in the market.