What is a Vintage Filigree Ring?

During the Edwardian period from 1905-1915, filigree design became very popular. If you love a lacy, intricate ring design, you may just want to search out a beautiful vintage filigree ring to add to your collection of vintage jewelry.

Filigree jewelry design was not invented during this period however; it has roots in much more ancient times. But filigree style in America first began in this period. It actually reached the height of its popularity during the Art Deco period during the 1920s and 30s.

While it may appear that filigree is an engraving style, it is actually a process where many fine filaments of the metal involved are twisted together to create very delicate, lacey openwork rings, pins and other jewelry. Common patterns created in filigree are leaves, vines, flowers and even spider webs.

The metals used in filigree designs are usually gold, silver or platinum. You might also come across a bronze vintage filigree ring, but they are not as common.

There are actually four methods of deigning filigree and you may find any one of them as you begin to look for a vintage filigree ring. The four styles of filigree design are openwork, ground-supported, combination work, and filled work.

Open work filigree is the laceiest in appearance. There is no backing to the design.

Ground supported filigree has the lacey design attached to a solid backing.

In combination filigree you see intricate filigree design both free standing and attached in some parts of the setting.

In filled filigree you may see sections of the open work actually filled in with a material such as enamel.

These rings remain popular to this day and a vintage filigree ring is still a common choice for men and women alike who choose to have modern day reproduction rings designed in the vintage style.