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Mongolian Jewelry
This Mongolian style filigree and enameled jewelry is handmade with a Russian and Chinese influence from the past 1000 year period of history. This jewelry was made for the Mongolians originally and then filtered into what is now China. Eventually, it was made during the 1700's, The Qing Dynasty, for only the Empresses and manufacture was very limited.
The technique utilized is similar to that used to make original Faberge eggs which were made of gold, silver and precious stones. These pieces are sterling silver with semi-precious stones and some are 24-Kt gold plated. The filigree work is hand fashioned with tweezers and the sterling silver wires are shaped into flowers, butterflies and other subjects. These completed compositions are fired in a kiln to approximately 1700°F to be fused together with silver dust. This creates the body of the piece to which then enamel colors and stones are added. The outlined designs are then filled with a very fine ground enamel powder. The colors are blended to create special effects and the piece is once again subjected to the kiln at a temperature of 1500°F for brief flashes of time. This turns the enamel into glass with a high gloss finish with permanent beauty. This points a test to the ability of the craftsmen since the silver body could melt down and all the filigree work lost.
The last step is to set the stones and to 24-Kt gold plate or antique many of the pieces. I use many unusual stones such as chrysocolla, rhodocrosite, chrysoprase, water sapphires, black star of India as well as semi-precious stones such as garnets, lapis, amethyst, madeira citrine, onyx and turquoise. Each artist has been extensively trained in the basic techniques and over time they become considered Master Craftsmen. Because the filigree and enameling skills are totally different abilities an artist is trained in only one or the other. As a result some items require two artists to complete one piece.
To verify that all of the jewelry is designed by Barbara Garwood, and made of sterling silver, each piece will bear the initials "BG" and the mark "925".
Barbara Garwood, Designer
This collection of beautiful jewelry is usually found in art galleries, museum gift shops, the National Geographic and Smithsonian. These exquisite pieces are set with natural stones such as Chrysocolla, Rhodochrosite, Sapphires, Black Star of India, Plume Agate, Amazonite, Charoite, Iolite, Lapis Lazuli as well as semi-precious stones such as Garnets, Amethysts, Madeira Citrine, Onyx, Topaz and Turquoise.
Caring for Filigree Jewelry:
Although it is sterling silver and very sturdy, it is made of hundreds of fine wires. The brilliant colors are achieved by the use of enamel powder, kiln-fired to create "glass". Consequently, gentle care should be used with these unique piece. Keep in a plastic bag with the air expelled to minimize oxidation. Clean with a liquid cleaner acceptable for use with pearls, lapis, turquoise or other porous stones.
Mongolian Filigree Jewelry
D&B Gifts - Tampa, Florida - email: dbgifts@earthlink.net
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