silver filigree
Since the beginning of mankind, it has been typical of human beings to call attention to themselves and to emphasize their beauty. Jewelry represents treasure for an individual, a country and its people.
The archeological findings on the Macedonian soil to a great extent testify that goldsmiths have been highly gifted and inventive artisans. The goldsmith's trade in Macedonia flourished in the Middle Ages and reached its climax in the XVIII century and the first half of the XIX century. Goldsmiths in Macedonia were organized in guilds. The Macedonian goldsmiths' articles were highly esteemed in Macedonia and abroad.
In the past, one had to pass a long way to become a master goldsmith. It took him years to learn the craft, working as an apprentice and a journeyman. That is understandable, because the process of making jewelry needs great skill and endless patience. It is especially important to masterly solder the components of the jewelry, regardless of their number.
It is difficult to classify jewelry. Most often it is categorized according to the parts of the body -- head jewelry, neck jewelry, hand jewelry and jewelry on clothes.
Adorning and wearing jewelry is an old tradition. Traditional costumes in Macedonia are the most characteristic example. In Macedonia there is a rich mosaic of traditional costumes. In addition to the rich colors, patterns, different materials and designs, folk costumes are especially abundant in embroidery. An important part of the embroidery is the filigree silver-gild thread. The traditional costumes are regularly embroidered with flowers and animals. Their beauty is enriched with metal jewelry (of gold, silver, copper, brass).
In addition to its role as an adornment, jewelry is also worn because of its apotropaic/magical powers. People believe that it protects from misfortune, evil spirits and spells; it brings luck and it heals. Since the olden times, precious metals (gold and silver) have been attributed supernatural power. For this reason, jewelry is also worn as an amulet.
In the past, goldsmiths also made numerous articles for households, as well as for the Church.
The symbolism of jewelry is diverse. Jewellery (most often earrings, necklaces, rings etc.) is given as a gift, a token of friendship, love, respect and is usually connected with some personal experience and sentiments that are kept as something sacred. Thus, jewellery is bequeathed to descendants. Its value does not decrease. On the contrary, it increases.
Related Book
The Macedonian Jewellery
by Vangel Dereban
Jewelry represents a cultural heritage a movable treasure and safety. It gives a picture of historical and cultural past. This book tries to draw attention to a rare artistic craft of making silver filigree. Written by Vangel Dereban, a master goldsmith, whose family has been authentically familiar with the manufacture, significance and value of jewellery for six generations.