An old filigree cigarette case from the times of the Russian Empire authentic.

Jewelry technique "filigree" appeared in Russia in the 9th-10th century. A little later (in the 12-16 centuries), in addition to the solder scan, jewelers began to use openwork weaving with magnificent natural gems, wood and enamel. The very appearance of the style is attributed to the ancient world, when in Crete, Egypt, Troy and Greece of the VI-IV centuries BC, filigree was used to decorate royal jewelry. Mirrors and other household items were also braided with precious wires. Varieties of style Jewelry filigree differs by the method of braiding precious wire on the frame. In total, there are 3 main types: Soldering technique involves applying wire and grains directly to a metal sheet (blank). If, at the end of the jeweler's work, the master decides to leave the base, such a technique is called background or "deaf". And when the basis is eliminated, it turns out a prosechnaya or sawn scan. The openwork method does not imply the presence of a basis. The wire pattern is soldered to itself, and the links and stones are attached directly to the metal lace. Such filigree can be divided into 2 subtypes-flat and three-dimensional (sculptural-relief). Three-dimensional scan — cubes, vases, trays, caskets and other works of jewelry art, where individual elements are first twisted, and then they are assembled into one composition. Creating jewelry using the filigree method is a complex and multi-stage process that requires certain skills and equipment. The wire made of precious metal is pre-rolled and twisted to the desired thickness. Some jewelers leave the workpiece smooth in order to realize their design ideas. All work, except for the preparation of blanks, is carried out exclusively manually. Moreover, the lace itself is based on only a few traditional elements. These include a ring, a gear, a curl, a tooth, a burdock and a grass. To create a unique product, it is important to draw a sketch on paper in advance. It must be made in full size. It is according to it that the size of the real parts is adjusted by applying it to a sheet of paper. When the drawing is assembled, its soldering is carried out, and the paper base itself is burned so that it does not leave traces. During volumetric work, the parts are glued together "by weight". At the end of the assembly process, the metal is lowered into a special chemical solution to make the filigree product shine. Often the surface is additionally polished. In the XVII century, the demand for scanned jewelry is growing. In the XVIII century, serious scanned products were created, along with stones, crystal and mother-of-pearl were used. Not forgotten are the little joys — vases, salt shakers, caskets. Since the nineteenth century, filigree has become a factory product. The technology is being honed, relief openwork filigree blooms, translucent stained — glass-openwork filigree with transparent enamel appears. Having experienced a decline in the early twentieth century, since the middle of the century, the filigree jewelry technique has regained its strength. In 1937, the works of masters from the village of Krasnoe-on-Volga ("Krasnoselsky artisan", near Kostroma) were shown at the world Exhibition in Paris, where she took gold for filigree brooches, caskets and other accessories, and in 1939 — in New York. Filigree was also taken up in the village of Kazachkovo (Vachsky district of the Nizhny Novgorod region). Since that time and to this day, filigree scan has been of great interest among collectors all over the world.

*** Please do not make hasty bids/buying - watch and read what you are buying. This product is very old and has signs of aging. It is being sold as is, everything is shown in detail in the photos and description. In cases of force majeure and on holidays, the delivery period may increase. In case of unforeseen circumstances, do not rush to open a dispute, write to me, and I will begin to solve the problem. If you have any complaints, questions or concerns, I will be happy to answer them. The most valuable thing for me is your opinion and satisfaction, my reputation is also very important for me. Thank you for your understanding, waiting for your feedback! ***