Beads Filigree
December 31st, 2009
History of Handcrafted Beaded Jewelry
You might feel that the history of handcrafted beaded jewelry cannot possibly be very interesting, but in fact, it is quite intriguing to learn where this part of culture began. Some say that the beginnings of beaded jewelry began more than 70,000 years ago when man found the beads and gems and thought it was incredibly beautiful. Beaded jewelry has been used in many ways. One way is simply for beauty. Another is for value. Some would trade and buy with beaded jewelry or beads. And some cultures even used them as talisman. So how was beaded jewelry initially created? Let’s take a look.
Although a man or a woman living in those times would not possibly have any practical use for them; however, they could not carry them around without modern day bags or carrying devices, nor did they have pockets. So, as legend tells us, they attached the gemstones or beads to leather straps and wore them around their neck to create the first handcrafted beaded jewelry. Over time, handcrafted beaded jewelry started to become a status symbol. Those with power and wealth were the ones who had beaded jewelry. Beads even have been used as an item of value for which trade could be made.
Handcrafted beaded jewelry has been made out of many types of beads. Beads have been known to be made out of glass, bone, porcelain, shells, paper, clay, metals, gemstones, ivory, and even wood. Bead craftsman often held the trade secrets in confidence. They were expected to keep the bead-making skills a secret. Some of them even risked themselves if they failed to keep the information to themselves. Mass production of beads didn’t even begin until the 1800s when glass beading became widely available. It was at this time that Swarovski created their process for making their special beads which are still in high demand today. Even today, the secrets of how their beads are made are kept secret.
Different parts of the world created different types of handcrafted beaded jewelry. Central and South America are known for their wampum and quill creations, while Native American beadwork usually included a lot of turquoise and silver. Bead making in France began as early as 38,000 BC! Worry beads, Filigree, and highly decorated ceramic beads originated in Greece, while Italy specialized in the Murano glass beads. There are dozens of other countries not yet discussed here, but beaded jewelry has a rich and vast history that is incredibly interesting. Suffice it to say that there is a rich cultural tradition with wearing beaded jewelry.
Sources:
History of Beaded Jewelry
Gemstone History and Beliefs
About the Author
At SWCreations you will find history and facts relating to beads, gemstones, birthstones, fashion, and handcrafted jewelry.
Filigree Beads: Using Gilders Paste with Filigree
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30 Silver Plated Ornate Filigree Spacer Bead f0125-12mm $0.99 |
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C222/ 200 Silver plated cut out filigree bead caps 15mm $2.99 |
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C223/ 200 Golden plated cut out filigree bead caps 15mm $2.99 |
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C224/ 90Pcs Silver plated filigree bead caps 10×11mm $2.99 |
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C225/ 90Pcs Golden plated filigree bead caps 10×11mm $2.99 |
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C228/ 80Pcs Silver plated Filigree Beads End Caps Cone $2.99 |
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C229/ 80Pcs Golden plated Filigree Beads End Caps Cone $2.99 |
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C230/ 80Pcs Black plated Filigree Beads End Caps Cones $2.99 |
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C231/ 80 Antiqued bronze Filigree Beads End Caps Cones $2.99 |
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C232/ 600 Antiqued copper Filigree Beads End Caps Cones $15.99 |
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C232/ 80 Antiqued copper Filigree Beads End Caps Cones $2.99 |
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C233/ 80Pcs Silver Plated Filigree Beads End Caps Cone $2.99 |
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C234/ 600 Antiqued bronze Filigree Beads End Caps Cones $15.99 |
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C234/ 80 Antiqued bronze Filigree Beads End Caps Cones $2.99 |
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C235/ 80 Antiqued copper Filigree Beads End Caps Cones $2.99 |
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C236/ 200 Golden plated Filigree Beads End Caps 3×7mm $1.99 |
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30 Approx Iron Silver Filigree Cone Bead End Cap Findings Lots 17x15x11mm BC0050 $0.99 |
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500 Wholesale Silver Filigree Flower Bead Caps Ends Covers 6x6mm BC0072 $0.99 |
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49 Silver Filigree Cone Bead Ends Bead Caps 23x8xmm BC0053 $2.49 |
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200pc Silver Plated Hollowed Filigree Spacer Beads 6mm NEW $0.99 |
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200 SILVER PLATED METAL ROUND FILIGREE SPACER BEADS 6mm $0.99 |
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200pc Silver Plated Hollowed Filigree Spacer Beads 6mm Jewelry Craft Making $0.99 |
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200pc Silver Plated Hollowed Filigree Spacer Beads 6mm $0.99 |
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10PCs Silver Plated Filigree Rhinestone Beads 14mm $7.99 |
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160 Iron Nickel Plated Filigree Flower Bead End Cap Findings Lots 8x8x5mm BC0075 $0.99 |
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50 Approx Iron Silver Filigree Flower Bead End Cap Findings Lots 21x21x5mm BC084 $0.99 |
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30pcs Craft Beads Cap Filigree Gold Plated 10mm c0303 $5.39 |
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120Pcs 4mm gold Plated Filigree Hollow Spacer Beads H949 $0.99 |
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Free ship! 100pcs beautiful Silver Plated Hollow Filigree Spacers Beads 4MM MX29 $0.99 |
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20pcs Jewelry Findings Charm Beads Filigree Leaf c0206 $4.49 |
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20pcs Finding Spacer SP Filigree 14mm Ball Beads c1642 $5.39 |
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20pcs Spacer Gold Plated Filigree Ball 17mm Beads c1641 $6.99 |
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50PCs Silver Plated Filigree Ball Spacers Beads 12mm Dia. $4.99 |
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Free ship! 50 pcs beautiful Silver Plated Hollow Filigree Spacers Beads 6MM MX28 $0.99 |
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2x STERLING SILVER FLOWER FILIGREE BEAD CAP 8.1mm #1433 $3.68 |
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100 Ornate Filigree Bead caps Gold plated 8mm $4.83 |
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100 Ornate Filigree Bead caps Silver plated 8mm $4.83 |
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6x STERLING SILVER FILIGREE BEAD Round CAPs 8.5mm $7.98 |
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65PCS FILIGREE FLOWER BEAD CAPS FINDINGS 6X9X9MM 925 SILVER PLATED OVER COPPER $0.99 |
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100pc Gold plate Ornate filigree SPACER BEADS 6mm lk $0.99 |
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50 Filigree Bead Caps Antique Bronze Nickel Free $2.86 |
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1000 Gold plated filigree spacer beads 4mm FREE SHIP $1.32 |
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2 FILIGREE HEART DANGLE CHARM BEADS FINDINGS 925 SILVER PLATED 28X23MM $0.99 |
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2500Pcs Antiqued Copper filigree spacer beads 4mm #078A $15.99 |
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2500Pcs Golden plt filigree spacer beads 4mm #062A $15.99 |
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350Pcs Antiqued bronze filigree spacer beads 12mm #084A $15.99 |
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350Pcs Antiqued Copper filigree spacer beads 12mm #085A $15.99 |
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350Pcs Golden plt filigree spacer beads 12mm #064A $15.99 |
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200pc Silver plate Ornate filigree SPACER BEADS 4mm lk $0.99 |
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600Pcs Golden plt filigree spacer beads 10mm #056A $17.99 |
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36 Color Silver Cone Iron Filigree Bead End Cap Wholesale 17x15x11mm BC0050 $0.99 |
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500 Bronze Tone Filigree Nail Spacers Beads Caps 41x8mm $23.99 |
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100pc Glod plate Ornate filigree SPACER BEADS 8mm lk $0.99 |
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FREE SHIP! 120pcs black Plated Round Filigree Loose Spacer Beads GK938 $1.89 |
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FREE SHIP! 120pcs coffee Plated Round Filigree Loose Spacer Beads GK939 $1.89 |
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50PCs Gold Plated Filigree Rhinestone Beads 14mm $27.99 |
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FREE SHIP! 120pcs Silver Plated Round Filigree Loose Spacer Beads GK940 $1.89 |
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50PCs Silver Plated Filigree Rhinestone Beads 14mm $26.99 |
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FREE SHIP! 120pcs Antique bronze Plated Round Filigree Loose Spacer Beads GK941 $1.89 |
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50PCs Silver Plated Filigree Rhinestone Beads 11mm $20.99 |
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480 Approx Iron Silver Filigree Flower Bead End Cap Findings Lots 6x6x1mm BC0072 $0.99 |
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56 Approx Iron Gold Filigree Cone Bead End Cap Findings Lots 12.5×11.5×8 BC0047 $0.99 |
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100pc Silver plate Ornate filigree SPACER BEADS 8mm lk $0.99 |
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160 Iron Nickel Plated Filigree Flower Bead End Cap Findings Lots 9x9x4mm BC0067 $0.99 |
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100pc Silver plate Ornate filigree SPACER BEADS 6mm lk $0.99 |
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30 Approx Iron Silver Filigree Flower Bead End Cap Findings Lots 19x17x17 BC0058 $0.99 |
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500 Golden Filigree Round Beads 12mm Spacer Finding $13.81 |
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260 Color Gold Leaf Iron Filigree Bead End Cap Findings Wholesale 9x9x4mm BC0076 $0.99 |
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42 Iron Nickel Plated Filigree Cone Bead End Cap Findings Lots 23x8x8mm BC0054 $0.99 |
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2PCS FILIGREE HEART DANGLE CHARM BEADS FINDINGS 28X23X7MM 925 SILVER PLATED $0.99 |
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30pcs Silver Plated Ornate Filigree Spacer Beads f0125-12mm $0.99 |
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Amber Topaz Murano Lampwork Glass Beaded Silver Filigree Earrings Birthday Gifts $11.83 |
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Findings Beading Craft 12pcs Beads Filigree Brown Round 33mm 1Hole Coconut Shell $4.49 |
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62 Approx Iron Nickel Plated Filigree Bead End Cap Lots 16.5×16.5x4mm BC0089 $0.99 |
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50pc Silver plate Ornate filigree SPACER BEADS 10mm lk $0.99 |
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80 Approx Iron Gold Filigree Flower Bead End Cap Findings Lots 7.5×11.5mm BC0028 $0.99 |
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40Pcs PINK 8MM Filigree Hollow Spacer round metal ball Beads H949 $0.99 |
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Vermeil GOLD Antique Style FILIGREE BEAD w 18 CZ Fits Charm Bracelet / Necklace $16.28 |
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24ct Vermeil GOLD * BEAUTIFUL FILIGREE BEAD Fits Charm Bracelet / Necklace $12.33 |
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130 Approx Iron Gold Filigree Flower Bead End Cap Findings Lots 7x7x3.5mm BC0039 $0.99 |
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10 Strands Rainbow Filigree Lampwork Glass Beads 8mm $19.63 |
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18k Gold GF filigree bead bracelet BL-A115 $6.89 |
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ROA Lampwork 10 Filigree Aqua Art Disc Glass Beads SRA $8.24 |
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Authentic Genuine Pandora Silver Openworks Filigree Web NEW RELEASE Charm Bead $16.60 |
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ROA Lampwork 2 Filigree Green & Yellow Handmade Bump Disc Art Glass Beads SRA $2.99 |
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170 Approx Iron Silver Filigree Flower Bead End Cap Findings Lots 7x7x3.5 BC0040 $0.99 |
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Filigree Leaf & Bumble Bee with Teal Green Bead Pendant Handmade Necklace $21.00 |
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ROA Lampwork 7 Filigree Black & Ivory Set Handmade USA Glass Beads SRA $13.48 |
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40 Raw Brass Stamping Filigree Bead Caps 9mm bc13 $4.40 |
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62 Approx Iron Silver Filigree Flower Bead End Cap Findings 16.5×16.5x8mm BC0056 $0.99 |
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370 Approx Iron Silver Filigree Flower Bead End Cap Findings Lots 1.5×8.5 BC011 $0.99 |
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ROA Lampwork 10 Filigree Pink Handmade USA Disc Art Glass Beads SRA $8.99 |
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Brass Filigree with Swarovski Beads $5.99 |
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2 Hole Beads #6 Silver Filigree HEARTS Fleur de Lis ! $3.95 |
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ROA Lampwork 2 Filigree Lime & Aqua Handmade US Ruffle Disc Art Glass Beads SRA $2.99 |
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36 Sterling Silver Plated Brass Filigree Bead Caps 9.5mm bc08sl $4.50 |
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150pcs Wholesale Cheaper Flower Iron Filigree Bead Caps Gold Free Ship BC0064 $0.99 |
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50X Mixed color Filigree Hollow Ball Spacer Bead 8mm AS93 $0.99 |
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Free Ship 130pcs golden filigree spacer beads 6mm $1.99 |
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100 Filigree Chinese Cloisonne Butterfly Beads cl-b23 $24.66 |
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Chamilia Beads – Abstract and Patterns Hollow Filigree Charm $35 Sterling silver hollow filigree bead charm. (355-GA-122) 35 From the Chamilia Abstract and Patterns collection Authentic Chamilia jewelry .925 Sterling Silver View entire Euro beads collection here |
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Helena Filigree Pendant Necklace $26.99 An elegant touch to any outfit, delicate curved filigree leaves and clustered beads hang from a thin golden chain. Chain: 9" length Filigree pendant: 2" width |
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Source Sterling Silver Filigree Beads – 2 Pack $20 Gift boxed. Set of 2 charms. Sterling silver. Colour: Silver. By Source. |
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Peaches and Cream Filigree Chandelier Earrings $6.99 Peaches and Cream Filigree Chandelier Earrings No style is complete without these ornate dangle earrings. Its sublime design includes a multitude of dangling beads and a floral center accented by a peach-colored gem. Specifications: Approximately 2.5 Inch Length, Fish Hook Earwires |
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Beading with Filigree by Deis, Cynthia Edition ILL, 0 $24.95 Delicate, luminous, beautiful: no wonder metal filigree components are a jeweler’s treasure. From antique brass and copper to shimmering silver and gold, they pair perfectly with a variety of beads. This latest entry in the bestsellingBeading withseries features 33 sophisticated and utterly stylish projects. The techniques are simple; the variety is stunning; and the designs are contemporary and accessible.Learn how to shape filigree components and alter their finish. Discover special techniques for combining the beads with the filigree. Release your creativity on projects packed with high-end style. The Dinner at Eight Necklace weds diamond-shaped filigree connectors with sparkly crystal beads. Whimsical Whirlwind Earrings feature painted filigree and silk ribbon that provide a surprising pop of color. Every piece is gorgeous! |
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Pewter Filigre Bird Blue Beads 59in $113.99 Pewter Filigree Bird with Blue Beads Delightfully Crafted Bring the stunning beauty of this giant elegant filigree bird decor into your home and garden. Delightfully crafted, this exquisite bird features splendid details sculpted metal and colorful glass beads. Weight 9 pounds Easy to Assemble Includes Statue and Stake Dimensions 40 x 12 x 60 inches Pewter Finish with Decorative Blue Glass Beads Ships Quickly |
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Amethyst filigree bracelet, ‘My Prayer’ (Peru) $127.99 Giuliana Valz-Gen adapts the denario, or decade rosary, as a beautiful bracelet. A symbol of faith, the chain features ten silver beads plus an amethyst globe that makes reference to the Lord’s Prayer. The Peruvian designer works in exquisite filigree. .999 and .950 silver |
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Pearl and citrine flower earrings, ‘Filigree Tulips’ (Thailand) $35.99 Tulips with filigree petals become earrings of graceful elegance. From Thailand’s Withaya Cheunjit, the sterling silver earrings are crafted by hand featuring spiraling vines crowned with citrine, natural peach pearls and faceted glass beads. .925 Sterling silver |
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Pearl and peridot flower earrings, ‘Filigree Tulips’ (Thailand) $35.99 Tulips with filigree petals become earrings of graceful elegance. From Thailand’s Withaya Cheunjit, the sterling silver earrings are crafted by hand featuring spiraling vines crowned with peridot, dyed gray pearls and faceted glass beads. .925 Sterling silver |
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Pearl and peridot flower earrings Filigree Tulips (Thailand) $35.99 Tulips with filigree petals become earrings of graceful elegance. From Thailand’s Withaya Cheunjit, the sterling silver earrings are crafted by hand featuring spiraling vines crowned with peridot, dyed gray pearls and faceted glass beads. .925 Sterling silver |
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Pearl and citrine flower earrings Filigree Tulips (Thailand) $35.99 Tulips with filigree petals become earrings of graceful elegance. From Thailand’s Withaya Cheunjit, the sterling silver earrings are crafted by hand featuring spiraling vines crowned with citrine, natural peach pearls and faceted glass beads. .925 Sterling silver |
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Amethyst filigree bracelet My Prayer (Peru) $127.99 Giuliana Valz-Gen adapts the denario, or decade rosary, as a beautiful bracelet. A symbol of faith, the chain features ten silver beads plus an amethyst globe that makes reference to the Lord’s Prayer. The Peruvian designer works in exquisite filigree. .999 and .950 silver |
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The Filigree Ball $2.39 The Filigree Ball |
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Zable(tm) Sterling Silver Filigree Spacer Bead / Charm $29.99 Zable(tm) Sterling Silver Filigree Spacer Bead / Charm crafted in 925 Sterling Silver Zable(tm) beads are guaranteed compatible with all popular brands of bead bracelets |
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Filigree $81.25 Filigree (formerly written filigrann or filigrane; also known as telkari, the name given in Anatolia, meaning wire work, and ciftisi, pronounced chiftishi, meaning tweezers work ) is a jewel work of a delicate kind made with twisted threads usually of gold and silver or stitching of the same curvy motif. It oftens suggests lace, and is most popular in French fashion decoration from 1660 to the present. It is now exceedingly common for ajoure jewellery work to be mislabelled as filigree. While both have many open areas, filigree involves threads being soldered together to form an object and ajoure involves holes being punched, drilled, or cut through an existing piece of metal. The word, which is usually derived from the Latin filum, thread, and granum, grain, is not found in Ducange, and is indeed of modern origin. According to Prof. Skeat it is derived from the Spanish filigrana, from filar, to spin, and grano, the grain or principal fibre of the material. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 78 Publication Date: 2009/11/24 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.18 inches |
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Pearl and lapis lazuli flower earrings, ‘Filigree Tulips’ (Thailand) $35.99 Tulips with filigree petals become earrings of graceful elegance. From Thailand’s Withaya Cheunjit, the sterling silver earrings are crafted by hand featuring spiraling vines crowned with lapis lazuli, dyed blue pearls and faceted glass beads. .925 Sterling silver |
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Pearl and lapis lazuli flower earrings Filigree Tulips (Thailand) $35.99 Tulips with filigree petals become earrings of graceful elegance. From Thailand’s Withaya Cheunjit, the sterling silver earrings are crafted by hand featuring spiraling vines crowned with lapis lazuli, dyed blue pearls and faceted glass beads. .925 Sterling silver |