Definition: a decorative metal ware technique, in which extremely thin, fine strands of a metal - usually gold or silver - form a pattern; the wires can be twisted, plaited or plain; dates back to ancient Roman jewelry, though the strands were usually soldered onto a base; in the more familiar version, dating from the medieval era, the wires are free-standing, creating an open-work design; revived in the 19th century, this method also flourished throughout the Victorian and Edwardian eras
Pronunciation: fill-ah-gree
Example: Amanda could easily imagine the 1905 filigree pendant, with its delicate cobweb pattern, resting against the sort of frilly blouse Edwardian ladies loved to wear.