Masters of alchemy, guardians of a centuries-old art, the Filigree craftsmen weave silver and gold threads together in order shape to delicate, detailed and unique pieces.
They are representatives of one of the most cherished and valuable techniques of national jewellery and owners of unmatched sensitivity and know-how that is transmitted and strengthened from generation to generation.
The origin of filigree is associated with Mesopotamia and is thought to have reached Europe via the Mediterranean trade routes where it became relatively popular with the Greek and Roman civilisations. It was precisely with the Romans that this ancient ornamental technique reached the Iberian Peninsula.
However, the presence of Arab peoples in the Iberian Peninsula made filigree in this region extremely unique, as a result of the decorative motifs and patterns that began to be created. Portugal has maintained this tradition to the present day, progressively creating its own imagery and personalising its pieces with cultural themes representative of national culture.
Portuguese Filigree has a portfolio full of iconic pieces, mostly inspired by the forms of Nature, but also reflecting the socio-cultural importance of the Sea, Religion and Love.
These iconic pieces notably include the Heart of Viana, a piece that symbolises the cult of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, although it has become popular as a symbol of love. The Rainha Earrings, the Arrecadas and the Contas de Viana are other excellent examples of this art form, hand-made by Portuguese master craftsmen.
It is a certified Art
Filigree is a characteristic art form from northern Portugal. Most of the Portuguese filigree artisans' workshops are in Gondomar and Póvoa do Lanhoso, which is why these two areas have joined forces to secure an official certification for this art form, and the creation of the “Portuguese Filigree” brand.
Only pieces with this certificate are considered authentic and Portuguese in origin. It’s a way of preserving and valuing this hand-made art, as well as the effort, skill and know-how of its masters.
Portuguese Filigree attracted international media attention when Sharon Stone sported a huge Heart of Viana in Beverly Hills, which was given to her for sponsoring a Douro cruise; or when Úrsula Corberó, the actress who plays Tokyo in the Netflix series "Money Heist", received a medallion in Portuguese Filigree.
Also, at Expo 2020 Dubai, the Portugal Pavilion hosted a special filigree exhibition, featuring a dress by Portuguese designer Micaela Oliveira which involved more than ten filigree craftsmen and around 2,000 hours of work.
New decorative motifs, new designs and different applications show how Portuguese Filigree is reinventing itself and looking towards the future.
