Our last full day in Porto would be visiting Gondomar and a workshop and museum of Filigree. So, what is Filigree?
“Filigree is intricate metalwork. Usually with very fine strands of gold or silver or both that is twisted then applied to a frame of various shapes, filling them with a delicate tracery. The foundry to the final piece goes a long way passing the stick of gold or silver by a drawing process, decreasing the thickness of the wire, twisting them between two wooden planks. The process involves beating, cooking and bleaching. Finally, the detailed task of filling the frames is usually performed by women, called “bottle filling. The finishing process is to weld all the components and final assembly operations.
The minutia of this jewellery work, which nowadays is supported by a single machine – the cylinder, as well as the heat of the fire that heats the threads and connects them, result in different types of ornamental pieces or sacred art, such as shrines, caravels, boxes as well become pieces of personal use such as rings, earrings, medallions and crosses.
These pieces have gained international recognition since the actress Sharon Stone, the godmother of one of the cruise ships that rides on the Douro River, showed off her gold-filigree heart pendant while she strolled the streets of Los Angeles. Mr. António Cardoso is the craftsman-goldsmith who created it, from the AC Filigranas workshop.
Filigrana production in Gondomar dates back to the second half of the 18th century. The proximity of the raw material – coming from, for example, the hills of Pias and Banjas – made the region one of the most notable centers of Portuguese goldsmithing. Even today, in 2019, Gondomar is responsible for 60% of the production of national jewelry.”
Filigree workshop
Silver and gold threads. Steady hands required
Filigree
heating the thin stands of wire
Steady Hands makes beautiful art
Filigree
The heart a beautiful piece of jewelry
Filigree
Filigree
I found this link online to show you in more detail how they make the stunning Filigree Jewellery.
The process of making Filigree Jewellery
I was fascinated watching the artisans making the stunning jewellery and really disappointed that I somehow didn’t purchase anything. I was looking at a butterfly broach but someone else had already purchased it. Will have to go back one day.
Of course we were treated to some coffee, juice and heart shape puffs. I had the coffee but not a puff as they were not gluten free. I did ask everyone if they were yummy and the answer was yes!
Heat shape puffs
While having our coffee we wandered outside to watch the local community enjoying the weekend along the river.
Beautiful Gondomar
Back to the ship for lunch then we had an afternoon to do whatever we wanted. Muriel and I packed our bags and then headed into the wonderful City of Porto. That will be the next post.
“Pelas maos de mestres guardios de uma sabedoria secular aprendemos a dominar a natureza e os segredos dos metais mais nobres e pela imaginacao indomavel de homens e mulheres devotos a ourivesaria, demos lugar a mais pura das criacoes. a filigrana.
Ontem, tal como hoje e amanha, o nosso compromisso e e sera sempre, preservar aquilo que temos de mais autentico…a nossa arte.”
Translated to –
“From the hands of guardian masters of a secular wisdom we learn to master the nature and secrets of the noblest metals and by the untiring imagination of men and women devoted to jewelery, we have given way to the purest of creations. the filigree.
Yesterday, as today and tomorrow, our commitment and always will be to preserve what we have most authentic … our art.”
Travel and Lifestyle with Bree 
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Fascinating look at a beautiful art form. We’ll put this on the list for our visit to Portugal next year!
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Yes put it on your list for sure!
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Such intricate and beautiful work isn’t it? I’m not sure I would have the patience or the right touch for such delicate work. It would have been fascinating watching the artists make the pieces. Thanks for sharing at #MLSTL. x
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It was very interesting watching them work. So gentle so intricate steady hands. Thank you x
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Such beautiful art works and you’ve got to see the intricate work up close. When I was in Malta, I bought a filigree brooch as a birthday gift. Filigree is very popular there, too. #MLSTL
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It is beautiful xx thank you and you have your own piece of filigree x
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This was interesting to read as I had no idea about how filigree work was done! Thanks for showing the photos and sharing the artisans at work. What a shame you didn’t get to buy anything though. #mlstl
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I know how silly of me not to buy one. Thank you x
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I love filigree work and those examples you photographed were lovely. You were so lucky getting the chance to get up so close and personal with the process.
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
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Yes we were very lucky to actually see them at work. Thank you x
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What beautiful, detailed work and craftsmanship! #MLSTL
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What a fabulous art form. Filagree jewelry is so intricate and beautiful. I had no idea how it was made. #MLSTL
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It certainly is beautiful work and Im glad that it is continuing on in the tradition. x
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We recently visited Mompox in Colombia which is also famous for its filigree artisans. Isn’t it fascinating? And so intricate!
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We visited Portugal last summer but didn’t make it north to Porto. My daughter and I would have loved to try filigree!! It’s so intricate and beautiful.
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Oh what a pity you must go back!
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This looks so cool! What a great experience you will always remember.
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It was xx
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That looks so interesting! Would love to try it. Such beautiful and intricate work.
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Thank you x
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Such beautiful jewelry! You all do the most interesting things on your trips!
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stunning isn’t it. Yes we have had so much fun.
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How cool that you took the time to do a art and craft class while you were visiting in Porto. You guys have created such beautiful pieces!
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I wish I could say these were ours. Thank you.
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I love filigree jewelry. I have a few pieces (silver) handed down from my let grandmothers on both sides; they are so delicate… I enjoyed your post, I’d love to watch the artisans make these pieces.
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Oh how wonderful you have some family heirlooms x yes they are very delicate.
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What a fabulous experience! I love seeing ancient artisanal methods still in use today. So delicate and stunning. Yes – you need to go back and buy at least one piece! I may have to join you!
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Yes you must come back with me 🙂 It certainly is good to see something continuing on in the old way.
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I bought some filigree pieces of jewellery in Malta. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to a workshop. So, loved seeing your photos of the artists at work.
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Oh wow Im glad you did buy some.
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Love watching artisans at work! Can’t believe you didn’t buy anything though 😆 Maybe like me, you get too caught up in the craft!
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Isn’t it amazing 😉. Yes that’s two things now a cork bag and some filigree 😳
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WOW! I love this! I appreciate the personal aspect you brought. Sometimes, that makes art so meaningful…and it’s what makes our writing so meaningful, eh?
I appreciate your site!
Kelly Hayes-Raitt
http://www.JumpStartMybook.org
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Thank you so much x
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What a great thing to learn, such a cool experience 🙂
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yes it was great.
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What a great thing to learn. You certainly made the most of your trip to Portugal. kx
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thank you we certainly did…but wait there is more lol
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Wow that must have been a great learning experience for you. It reminds me of the damscene jewellery-making we saw in Toledo, Spain. There they beat these threads into a metal framework while here they are using the gold threads only.
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So interesting
Shame you didn’t buy anything
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I know
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How fascinating to watch these artists at work! I’m like you — I admire something like this and then wish I had bought something. Yes, you should go back!
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How fascinating to watch these artists at work! You’re like me — I see something so interesting and then get home and wish I had bought something. Happens every trip!
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Such beautiful pieces and a true art. Thanks for sharing. 😊
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