Filigree: meaning, definitions and examples

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filigree

 

[หˆfษชlษชษกri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

jewelry design

Filigree is a delicate and intricate ornamental work made from fine wires of gold, silver, or other metals. It often features twisted or curled designs and is typically used in jewelry making, where it adds elegance and detail to pieces. Filigree work can also be seen in decorative arts, such as in metalwork or lace-like architecture. The technique requires notable craftsmanship and patience, resulting in beautiful and often intricate patterns.

Synonyms

intricate design, lacework, ornamental metalwork, wire art.

Examples of usage

  • The necklace featured stunning filigree embellishments.
  • She admired the filigree work on the antique brooch.
  • The artist specializes in filigree silver rings.
  • The filigree design made the piece look exceptionally delicate.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'filigree' comes from Latin, derived from 'filum' meaning 'thread' and 'granum' meaning 'grain' or 'seed'.
  • It reflects how fine metal threads are intricately crafted, resembling tiny grains arranged artfully.

Historical Origins

  • This art form dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and Romans, who used it for jewelry and ornamentation.
  • In the Middle Ages, filigree became popular throughout Europe, especially in religious artifacts and bridal jewelry.

Pop Culture

  • Filigree designs often appear in fantasy films, where characters wear ornate jewelry that reflects wealth and magic.
  • The technique has inspired contemporary fashion designers, who incorporate filigree patterns into their collections.

Science

  • Crafting filigree often requires understanding of metallurgy to ensure the fine threads can be shaped without breaking.
  • Advanced methods in metallurgy now allow for even thinner and more intricate designs compared to traditional techniques.

Literature

  • Filigree is frequently described in novels as a metaphor for beauty or complexity, symbolizing delicate human relationships.
  • In poetry, filigree can evoke imagery of nature, likening intricate designs to the patterns found in leaves and flowers.

Translations

Translations of the word "filigree" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น filigrana

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคซเคฟเคฒเคฟเค—เฅเคฐเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Filigran

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ filigree

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั„ั–ะปั–ะณั€ะฐะฝัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ filigran

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ•ใ‚ฃใƒชใ‚ฐใƒชใƒผ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท filigrane

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ filigrana

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท filigran

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ•„๋ฆฌ๊ทธ๋ฆฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุชูุฑูŠุบ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ filigrรกn

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ filigrรกn

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้•‚็ฉบๅทฅ่‰บ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ filigran

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fรญlagrรญm

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั„ะธะปะธะณั€ะฐะฝัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒคแƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜แƒ’แƒ แƒแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ filigran

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ filigrana

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,201, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.