Filigree Brooches. Filigree is a form of intricate metalwork used in jewelry and other small forms of metalwork.
In jewelry, it is usually of gold and silver, made with tiny beads or twisted threads, or both in combination, soldered together or to the surface of an object of the same metal and arranged in artistic motifs. It often suggests lace and remains popular in Indian and other Asian metalwork. It was popular as well in Italian, French and Portuguese metalwork from 1660 to the late 19th century. It should not be confused with ajoure jewelry work, the ajoure technique consisting of drilling holes in objects made of sheet metal. Reference: Wikipedia.
Below are some examples and price guides of filigree brooches including an antique platinum, emerald and diamond brooch and a carnelian intaglio.
AN ANTIQUE PLATINUM, EMERALD AND DIAMOND BROOCH, CIRCA 1915
Centering a gold collet-set square-cut emerald weighing approximately 1.35 carats, accented by European and rose-cut diamonds in a filigree mount, length 2 in.
Sold for US$3,187.50 at Bonhams in 2022
Gold, Colored Diamond and Diamond Filigree Bar Brooch
One yellowish brown old European-cut diamond ap. 3.75 cts., 2 orangy brown old-mine and old European-cut diamonds ap. 3.40 cts., 47 old European and single-cut diamonds ap. 1.30 cts., one small diamond missing, ap. 5.5 dwts.
Sold for $6,300 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2022
Vintage Filigree Silver & Turquoise Beaded Brooch. Measures approx. – 2 1/8″ long. Weight – 13 grams.
Sold for US$100 at Antiques & Art International in 2022
Vintage Art Deco Brooch with Old European Cut Diamonds. This wonderful brooch features 7.00cts carats of diamonds spread across a lattice of delicate platinum. The outline of the design is somewhat of an oval shape and inside are intricate filigree diamond frames that form a beautiful border. Further inside are symmetrical diamond outlines done in milgrain detail holding a section of old cut diamonds. In the center of this brooch you will find a beautiful Old-European Cut diamond of about 1.50ct in weight. Perfect brooch to be worn on a shawl or belt. Measures: 3.25inches in length and 1.75inches in width. Single pin closure.
Sold for US$6,700 at Bidhaus in 2022
Carnelian intaglio brooch (Spilla intaglio in corniola)1860
Depicting the profile of Mercurius with his winged helmet and traveler’s cloak within a flower filigree border.
Sold for 5,040 EUR at Sotheby’s in 2021
