Photo Essay: Filigree is delicate work
This week’s photo challenge is ‘delicate’, which could be interpreted in so many ways. It reminded me of the incredibly delicate work that’s involved in creating the intricate filigree jewellery that comes from the north of Portugal.
I watched a short demonstration in O Cantaro, a souvenir shop in Porto and was fascinated by the elaborate handiwork involved.
First, balls of metal are pounded and stretched into thin threads.
The circle of wire, balls of metal and the circular dishes are all part of the equipment needed to make the filigree jewellery that Portugal is famous for.
The strips are then carefully shaped into delicate patterns.
A demonstration of the detailed work involved in making filigree jewellery
The end result is beautiful filigree pieces, often in the shape of a heart.
Delicate filigree Portuguese hearts in gold and silver at O Canto in Porto
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What beautiful craftsmanship!!
[...] Weekly Photo Challenge: Delicate Work [...]
The filigree is so very delicate. I’ve never seen it made but would love to some time. Now I know where to go!
Did you see the video in my other post, G is for Gold? It’s really interesting to the see the process: http://juliedawnfox.com/2012/04/01/g-is-for-gold/
Thanks. I’ll check it out.
The Portuguese filigree work is so beautiful and delicate.
Yes, I really admire it, although I can’t see myself wearing it.
[...] Weekly Photo Challenge: Delicate work | Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal [...]
[...] Weekly Photo Challenge: Delicate work | Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal [...]
[...] Weekly Photo Challenge: Delicate work | Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal [...]
[...] Weekly Photo Challenge: Delicate work | Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal [...]
fabulous jewelry ^^
[...] Weekly Photo Challenge: Delicate work | Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal [...]
Beautiful work- the perfect delicate!
Thanks
[...] Weekly Photo Challenge: Delicate work | Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal [...]
They’re beautiful, Julie. I guess Portuguese lacework would qualify too.
I just spotted the szopka in your “other people’s posts”. Great idea. How do you do that? Something in the settings? Thank you!
Hi Jo, it’s a widget called ‘Posts I like’. You can choose how many posts you want to display and I chose ‘grid’ so that they would appear as images.
[...] Weekly Photo Challenge: Delicate work | Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal [...]
Delicate work indeed.
Lovely for the challenge! These Portuguese filigree earrings are beautiful, I have a pair myself.
They’re gorgeous, I agree.