In this course, we will cover techniques used in the fabrication and construction of filigree in the Middle Eastern tradition with fine silver, sterling silver, and paste solder.  You will learn how to create the framework for filigree designs, make your own filigree wire, and fill the framework with filigree for pendants, rings, earrings, chains, etc.  The course includes dozens of pages of technical handouts, sample projects, detailed videos, and clear instruction on the filigree process.  You will also learn to make traditional filigree flowers and other traditional designs, as well as both openwork and backed filigree, and forming your filigree designs into dimensional pieces.  Learn the traditional filigree techniques and then incorporate them into your own work! The skills learned in this class can be translated to your other jewelry work and will have a huge impact on how you practice jewelry making moving forward!

In this section, you will learn to make your own filigree wire from fine silver, as well as framework wire from sterling silver to use in your filigree designs.  Making your own filigree and framework wire can save money and allow more freedom of design because you have the skills to make the wires in whatever size and shape you need. 

Filigree frameworks can be constructed from a myriad of shapes and gauges of wire.  In this section you will learn the pros and cons of using different materials for your framework, as well as how to make your own framework wire from sterling silver round wire.

Filigree wire can be shaped into almost any design imaginable however, there are a variety of traditional shapes that you will see repeated in historical filigree work from across the globe.  In this section, you will learn some basic filigree shapes and how to construct them. 

Filigree is typically soldered with either powdered or paste solder.  This is because there are so many joints and connection points that using wire or sheet solder can be impractical.  In this section, you will learn to solder filigree with silver paste solder. 

This document includes instructions on how to make a pair of filigree crescent hoop earrings.  This design is a very traditional filigree design that you will see used in many cultures that practice the art of filigree. 

In this section, you will learn how to make traditional filigree flowers, as well as how to translate those skills into your own designs. 

These resources will help you understand the various methods and tools used in the finishing process.  They are not necessarily geared directly towards filigree work, but rather general jewelry finishing. 

This section features images of examples of filigree work.  All samples are my own work or the work of students who have taken my class. 

These resources will help you understand various topics that are related to filigree or general jewelry-making work.