Filigeree Jewellery

Filigree work is done on silver and involves lots of precision and technicality, added with great amount of patience and an eye for minute details. Historically, filigree work was quite popular in countries like Egypt, Italy, and Spain. India's history of filigree work goes back to early centuries. Indian filigree work is unique in its genre and aesthetics. It is immensely inspired by Greek filigree work, the same style and old charm has been kept intact till now, by Indian artisans. Filigree jewelry is mainly popular in Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. As procedure goes, first pure silver is made into very thin wires, by passing it through a wire drawing machine or by hammering. After this, the two thinnest wires are heated and wound around a rotating wheel machine, known as "Charkha". They are then flattened again, to make it as a single wire. This wire is bent in different ways, to give it many different forms and shapes. Filigree is also used for making decorative pieces like boxes, trays, bowls, spoons, vases with flowers, purses, showpieces, plates, tumblers, etc. Filigree work has variation according to the places too. While Orissa, where it is popularly known as 'Tarkashi', specializes in jewelry, 'Karim Nagar' is known for its complex designs and refined approach and precision. In Orissa figures of animals, birds and flowers and Konark Chakra are the favorite mementos that are depicted on jewelry. Various products, such as brooches, pendants, ladies bags, earrings and hairpins and utility items like the trays, plates, cups, candle stands bowls, ash-trays and incense containers, are also adorned with filigree work