Portugal : The country of filigree jewellery.
The filigree technique consists in interlacing and welding very fine gold or silver wires in order to produce magnificent jewellery. This technique appeared at the end of the 5th millennium in Egypt but it was in Portugal, at the time of the great discoveries, that this goldsmith's technique developed. It reached its peak in the 18th century.
Nowadays, filigree jewellery is made in Northern Portugal, in Gondomar, Braga, in the Povaa de Lenhoso region where we can find the best craftsmen of "Viana's hearts", "Queen's earrings", crosses and necklaces. The filigree in 925/1000 e silver or gold threads are crafted to offer you magnificent pendants, necklaces, bracelets, rings or earrings using Portuguese symbols: the heart of Viana (Coração de Viana) and the Queen's earrings (Da Rainha) are the most appreciated.
Portugal : The land of gold and silver jewellery.
The tradition of Portuguese goldsmiths also expresses itself on typical jewels such as Viana's Conta pearls in gold or silver. These pearl necklaces are as old as the art of silversmithing in Portugal. They were born from the difficulty of buying a whole filigree necklace. The women then bought each bead one by one until they made a whole chain, and usually wore their Conta de Viana necklace at their wedding.