Filigree is a metalwork art form where complex patterns are formed to adorn a piece of jewellery, which was very popular in Edwardian, Georgian and Victorian times. There are several techniques to arrange thin strands of metal into fancy shapes and certain jewellers created their own individual style of filigree art.
Modern Filigree Metalwork
You would be forgiven for thinking that this ancient art has died; centuries of practice and creativity saw skills handed down from generation to generation and in this modern age, there are still talented jewellery-makers who can create filigree pieces. Designs are often based on lace, a fabric that is finely woven to produce complex patterns and a skilled custom jeweller can make stunning metal lattice work that defies description.
Custom Diamond Engagement Rings
Couples often prefer a bespoke solution when it comes to engagement rings, which is no more expensive than choosing a diamond ring from a jeweller’s shelf. A skilled jeweller can basically create any design and filigree would be his speciality, he can show you many intricate patterns to help you choose the right design for your diamond engagement ring.
The Design Process
A bespoke jeweller understands the importance of engagement ring design and is prepared to spend as much time as it takes for the client to be happy with the final design. Most use cutting-edge software that creates hi-res 3D images for the client; you can easily make minor adjustments and when you are 100% satisfied, the craftsman can get to work. A skilled custom jeweller would mainly work with women’s diamond wedding rings that are made to order; the artist can usually work to the client’s budget.
Acquiring Gemstones
Making a diamond engagement ring involves the acquisition of gemstones; the jewellery-maker has access to diamond wholesale markets and can acquire raw, uncut diamonds at trade prices. An experienced jeweller can look at an uncut diamond and know which cut will bring out the best in terms of sparkle. He sends the stones to be cut and polished (there are different grades of polishing), then the stones are sent to a governing body like GIA, where the gemstones are assessed and certificates issued.
Setting
The setting is a key component of a diamond engagement ring, as this is what secures the stones to the ring; there are many settings, which the jeweller will point out and taking his advice is usually the way to go. Fine filigree is stunning, of that there is no doubt and your ideas can be transformed into reality by a skilled artist who works with fine strands of gold and silver.
Filigree Is A Dying Art
As mentioned earlier, there are not that many skilled filigree workers; this is a special skill that involves a keen eye and a steady hand. Fine filigree does look stunning when embellished on a diamond engagement ring and many women can’t resist adding this to their engagement ring design. Is it expensive? Well, the jeweller will spend as many hours as it takes to get it right and that will add to the cost somewhat. But hey, it isn’t every day that you get engaged!
If you would like to learn more about custom jewellery, arrange a free video call with a reputable bespoke jeweller and see where the discussion leads. If your budget is OK, the custom jewellery maker can take your concept and create a 3D design for your approval, when it is finished, the work can begin and it doesn’t take long to complete the project.
