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Mongolian Filigree Jewelry
This Mongolian style filigree and enameled jewelry is handmade with a Russian and Chinese influence from the past 1,000 years. It was originally made for the Mongolians and then filtered into what is now China. During the 1700's this jewelry was made for the Empresses of the Qing Dynasty.
The technique utilized is similar to that used to make the original Faberge eggs which were made of gold, silver and precious stones. These pieces are made of sterling silver with semi-precious stones and most are 24kt gold-plated.
The filigree work is made of sterling silver wires; hand-fashioned with tweezers and toothpicks to form the desired pattern and then fired in a kiln to approximately 1700 degrees Fahrenheit to fuse together with silver dust. This creates the body of the piece. The next step is to fill the design with a very fine ground enamel powder where the colors are blended to create a special effect and again fired at a temperature of 1500 degrees F for brief flashes of time to turn the enamel into glass with a high gloss finish and permanent beauty. The last step is to set the stones and 24kt gold-plate or antique the piece. The stones are 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.
Each artist has been extensively trained in the basic techniques and over time have become Master Craftsmen. The filigree and enameling skills are totally different abilities allowing an artist to train in one or the other. Consequently, some items require at least two artists to complete one piece. The entire process takes 4-7 days to make one piece of jewelry.
This collection of beautiful jewelry is usually found in art galleries, museum gift shops, the National Geographic and Smithsonian gift stores and high-end boutiques. You are not only purchasing a piece of beautifully handmade jewelry, but a piece of artwork.
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.
D&B Gifts - Tampa, Florida - email: dbgifts@earthlink.net
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