Filigree Rings to Fall in Love With

As antique and vintage style engagement rings continue to soar in popularity, there has been more interest in a special design element, filigree, which is often included in antique designs. Filigree rings offer a delicate, lacy beauty and a decidedly vintage aesthetic. Many brides and grooms love the combination of unique detail and femininity in filigree rings, and this special design element may be perfect for you.

What is Filigree?

The term filigree is used to describe any intricate ornamental design formed out of metal. But in the jewelry world, filigree has a very specific meaning: A delicate embellishment in which fine, pliable threads of precious metal—white, yellow, or rose gold as well as platinum — are twisted or curled into designs and then soldered onto jewelry.

Often these designs are gorgeous scrollwork and other intricate motifs that create a wonderfully lacy look on engagement rings and wedding rings. Although the designs can be similar to those seen on hand engraved jewelry, filigree is in some ways the opposite technique to engraving. While engraving involves sculpting or carving away at a piece of jewelry for decorative effect, filigree is a process of laying metal embellishment on top of a piece.

History of Filigree

The word “filigree” is derived from the Latin words filum, which means thread or wire, and granum, which means seed.  Filigree is an ancient art form, found on jewelry left by the ancient Greeks, Etruscans and Mesopotamians, at least as far back as 3000 BC. It has adorned jewelry in cultures around the world, including India, Egypt, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Filigree became very popular in jewelry at the turn of the century, and is frequently seen in jewelry from the Edwardian era, when delicate, curving designs fit with the romantic, feminine aesthetic of the day. Filigree was created out of platinum for the first time during the Edwardian period, because advances in metalwork make it possible to sculpt platinum on a small scale. We also see it in Art Nouveau and Art Deco-era jewelry. Delicate scrollwork, floral motifs, swirls, and Celtic symbols are all frequently rendered in this precious metal adornment.

Filigree Engagement Rings

If you are looking for an engagement ring or wedding band featuring filigree embellishment, you can choose between one of our vintage-inspired designs or customize your own.

Alvadora Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

This truly exceptional vintage-inspired ring features a bezel-set center gem surrounded by lavishly detailed latticework and a halo of shimmering diamonds.

Adeline Diamond Ring

This beautiful antique-style ring is adorned with intricate scrolls that grace each side of the delicate band. Brilliant round pavé-set diamonds accent the top of the band for a touch of eye-catching sparkle. (P.S. there’s an engagement ring to match!)

Antique Scroll Three Stone Trellis Diamond Engagement Ring

This exquisite antique style three stone trellis setting features interwoven prongs sweeping upward to embrace two brilliant round diamond side stones.

Delicate Antique Scroll Five Stone Diamond Ring (1/4 ct. tw.)

This graceful antique-style ring features five sparkling diamonds set in beautifully sculpted shared prongs.

Custom Design a Filigree Ring

Many customers choose to work with our design team to create a completely custom ring. If you are moved by the look and feel of filigree rings and other vintage-inspired elements, consider combining your vision with the expertise of our designers by designing something completely yours. Replicate an antique or marry a modern aesthetic with details from the past to create a filigree ring that you will love forever.

Final Thoughts

Do you love the look of filigree?  What’s your favorite feature of antique, and antique-style, jewelry?  Let us know on Facebook or Twitter or in the comments section!