The Art of Filigree in Colombia
Filigree is the art of delicate, lacelike ornamental metalsmithing composed of intertwined threads of gold or silver. The metal threads are curled, twisted, or braided and soldered at points of contact without a metal groundwork (background). This creates an open design that light can shine through to highlight the intricate weave of metal threads. Filigree is also known as “the art of patience”. The work of Filigree has been one of the oldest trades of mankind beginning around 3000 BC in Mesopotamia. The English word filigree is shortened from the earlier use of filigreen which derives from Latin "filum" meaning thread and "granum" grain. At the time of the Spanish colonization, the large amounts of...