ABOUT FILIGREE:
Filigree is an technical art form that dates centuries back, where the influential factors came from the Moors, Spanish & French.. When the Spanish came into Mexico during the Colonial period, they brought with them all their jewelry designs that ended up being a mainstay throughout Mexico & are still a very traditional art form in Oaxaca,as well as throughout some parts of Mexico.

Unfortunately however,this art has somewhat dwindled down some from what it use to be,since it is such a time consuming technique & artists aren't getting the appreciation,nor the money for all their time,passion & efforts..So,so many have given up.It is a real art,that needs to appreciated,especially if it is done properly.

There are many steps to doing filigree,from pulling the wire to the finest it can go without losing the metal's integrity,to then using circular forms that have to be mathematically correct with each curvature of the wire,to giving the wire it's textured serration, to doing a 'diamond' cut technique to the metal,for a tad of sparkle when the light/sun hits the earring.Only a artist that's been repetitiously doing this technique for decades can offer the most precise filigree.
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THE EARRINGS:
These are made with a undeniable traditional Oaxaca look & if you want the REAL look of Oaxaca,all you have to do is look at these.. The "Arracada de Muñeca" (Doll Earrings) design has been around for decades, in fact many a Oaxaca artist would do this design, both in sterling as well as in gold..

The round tops are connected to the bottom by a couple of "O" rings that give them bend & movement..The good sized Arracada crescent shaped bottoms have a double row of tiny little 2.5 mm coral beads that create their "V/Y" shape, while the single garland creates the "U" shape. These are sewn down into the filigree base & if you zoom in on the backside photos, you will witness the "Hand Made Factor" & how they are sewn down with sterling wire to their housing.(see backside photos) The 2 beaded dangles are held in by twisted wire,so they are in there good!

Oaxaca jewelry has become so chic & no longer are woman wearing Oaxaca filigree jewelry only when they wear Mexican Folk Art style clothing or going to a Folk Art event.. Now,you'll see this style of jewelry being worn in the most urban cities,no matter what they're wearing or where they live... It's because of people like Federico,that Oaxaca jewelry is now being recognized more so on a worldwide platform & are finally being appreciated as a historical art form that dates back from the Moors & Spain!

*****Please Note: With filigree,you are not paying for the weight of the silver nor the materials,but rather the time!!*****