Filigree Technique with Filipa Oliveira

Delivered in person at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, this course will help you to:

• Expand your technical skills: Learn how to make, twist and control fine filigree wire using repeatable processes. 
• Improve soldering accuracy: Develop control when soldering small-scale components and working with fine wire. 
• Introduce detail into your work: Use filigree to add line, pattern and lightness to your designs. 
• Work more independently: Make simple tools to support your filigree work in your own workshop. 
• Apply techniques to your own designs: Explore how filigree elements can be incorporated into existing or future pieces. 
• Learn through practice: Benefit from a combination of demonstration, group discussion and one-to-one feedback throughout the course.

Our small class size will help you to explore this ancient jewellery craft with a leading contemporary master through group guidance and 1:1 time with your tutor and will deepen your knowledge and understanding of the specialist skill of filigree.

• Basic tool kit including saw frame, saw blades, hand file (1/2 round or flat cut 2).
• Different shape needle files.
• Ruler.
• Steel tweezers x2 (type AA tweezers). 
• Small nail scissors. 
• Tiny glass container for solder.
• Set of pliers.
• Soldering paint brush.
• Bench brush.

Optional:

• Spectacles or a head visor (if required) to work on small details.

What will I be provided with? 

• Silver wire and solder in the required size and quantity.
• Brass sheet and disc as required.
• Acrylic square to work on.
• Additional specialised equipment. 

Intermediate: Practical experience and understanding of listed skills required. 

Participants at the intermediate level should have prior experience in a workshop environment and the ability to work independently on fundamental tasks. They should be comfortable with processes such as piercing, filing, and soldering, and possess a working knowledge of workshop tools and techniques. This level focuses on refining basic skills, introducing more complex tasks, and developing the ability to troubleshoot and work with greater precision and autonomy.

Developed approximately 5,000 years ago, the term filigree comes from the Latin word “filum” meaning thread” and “granum” meaning grain, which is a reference to the very fine twisted wire used in this technique.

We are committed to making our training programmes and events as inclusive and accessible as possible. If you have any access requirements, please inform us as early as possible so we can make the necessary arrangements. While we will do our best to accommodate your needs, advance notice is essential to ensure we can provide appropriate support.

To discuss your requirements when booking tickets for our Goldsmiths’ Centre training programmes, please contact us at boxoffice@goldsmiths-centre.org 

We believe that talent should not be held back. Here at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, we are open, accessible and inclusive to all. Our Access Grants help anyone to build thriving creative careers, supporting jewellers, silversmiths and allied industry practitioners to access our training courses for free.

If you need help to cover fees for our business and technical skills short courses, please apply for one of our Access Grants. To find out more and read our application criteria, click here

The Access Grants are delivered by the Goldsmiths' Centre and funded via the Goldsmiths’ Foundation.