Vintage Continental Silver Filigree Bead Necklace

Entirely handmade and most likely originating in Continental Europe where such crafts have an old tradition as a handicraft dating back centuries in countries such as Malta and Portugal. Filigree is an ancient technique where fine metal thread of silver or gold are twisted, curled, and soldered together into lace-like patterns. Each of the beads is created from two flower shaped discs which were made flat and then formed and soldered back to back. Hours and hours of skilled and careful work to make a design that flows beautifully. Metal: Silver, unmarked. Measurements: a continuous length of 32 inches, it can be passed over the head. In most cases the boxes are for display only but a nice quality modern reproduction box will accompany this piece.