Filigree

Fine wire, usually gold or silver, that is shaped into intricate designs that either stand alone for their design qualities or serve as outlines for jewelry and other ornamental work. Source: Ralph Meyer, "A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques"<br><br>A delicate, lacelike, and intricate openwork ornament, usually made from thin wire.Example: Russian, Jewelry Casket. c. 1790, silver filigree, gold, pearls, rubies, beryl, and quartz. Pavlovsk State Museum, Russia.Also see gauge, gem, jewelry, and sheet metal.