It is an ancient Portuguese art of jewelry that persists to this day.
In the past a woman's wealth was measured by the amount of gold they carried on their proud lap that disappeared into the endless rounds of gold in their ears pierced supporting heavy earrings and thick rings with small amethyst adorned their fingers. It was part of the dowry that was passed from mothers to daughters, grandmothers to granddaughters, from generation to generation and used only on festive seasons, because women have always known that this precious metal was essential as currency in times of great scarcity. It was the treasure of the family, hence the Portuguese saying, the rings may go, the fingers no. It is above all a legacy gently worked by skilled hands, a kind of fabric in intricate gold wires with circular motifs, coiled or in ese, that reveal an ancient art that has its origins in pre-Roman period. The filigree has always been linked to the major historical moments and social life of the Portuguese. Proof of this is that today, the Portuguese jewelry weighs heavily on the national economy, although the tradition has waned. However, the most iconic pieces, like the heart, the queen's earrings and necklaces with Minho's bids are still part of the jewels used in particular by the fado artists who stand out superbly in the black dress costumes.
The new generations of Portuguese women buy some gold, but indeed they prefer, the same jewelry in silver version, not only is a piece more affordable, but above all it is considered less traditional. Currently, the filigree is manufactured in limited areas of the north, particularly in the municipality of Gondomar considered the capital of national jewelry and in Braga, in the town of Povoa de Lanhoso, the village of gold, Travassos, as it is called by the Portuguese. Only in this town there are twenty workshops that diligently create more pieces of incalculable value. Also appeared on the market, new artisans who continues the tradition and especially renew as is the case of the artist Liliana Alves giving a modern twist to a timeless piece.
