1920s deals Sterling Silver Filigree Telkari Egyptian Themed Brooch with Nefertiti in a Chariot

Sterling Silver Filigree Telkari Egyptian Themed Brooch
with Nefertiti in a Chariot.

A dramatic piece, light but large
with a barrel catch on the reverse.
This was possibly created around the time
that Tutenkhamun's tomb was opened.
There was a craze for all things Egyptian , that lasted decades.
This piece features Queen Nefertiti
In a chariot with horse and Charioteer.
Possibly 1920s.
A lovely piece.
2 inches by 2 1/2 inches.


Specific to the city of Midyat in Mardin Province in upper Mesopotamia, a form of filigree using silver and gold wires, known as "telkari", was developed in the 15th Century. To this day, expert craftsmen in this region continue to produce fine pieces of telkari. ... Almost all of them are made of filigreework.
Filigree is a beautiful form of metalwork. It originated in the ancient world. Link to Artisan filigree. It is also known as Telkari (from the Anatolian word meaning "wire work"). It is formed using delicate twisted threads of gold and silver, often with repeated curvy motifs, that suggest lace.
It is also known as Telkari (from the Anatolian word meaning "wire work").  It is formed using delicate twisted threads of gold and silver, often with repeated curvy motifs, that suggest lace.  These fine wire pieces are then soldered together to create a larger piece.  
This technique became very popular in French fashion jewelry, from 1660 to the present.  But its exquisite feminine look is in fashion every year!  The technique lends itself particularly well to chandelier earrings, gorgeous intricate pendants and boho, gypsy rings. 
Gemstone accents create a rich irresistable look, reminiscent of vintage jewels.
The word filigree is derived from the Latin word filum (meaning thread).  Though a specialized skill for the modern jeweler, in ancient times it was part of the repertoire of skills of every jeweler.  Especially during Etruscan and Greek times. 
You can find many beautiful examples of their work, in museums across the world.
The art of making filigree, consists in twisting fine wire tightly so that it creates a ridged pattern.  Then this wire is twisted and formed into various circular harmonious shapes.  Then these wire shapes are soldered to each other to create a larger piece.  
The filigree design can also be built upon to create multi-layered designs, such as flowers.  Often, a piece of metal or a wire frame is used to give substance to this delicate work.  In ancient designs, granulation was often used to accent filigree designs.  This technique consists of soldering small beads of metal at intervals at which they will set of the wirework effectively. 
During the Etruscan and Roman period of the 6th to 3rd centuries BC, the art of filigree advanced to its highest level of perfection.  India also has a rich and fervent filigree tradition.  It is probable that here and in other parts of central Asia, jewelers were influenced by the Greeks that migrated East and settled in their midst.  For this reason, modern Indian jewelry, exhibits the same design patterns of those of ancient Greece!  An interesting fact.
The filigree tradition was preserved through Medieval times, where it remains the jewelry standard in deals many countries. 
One can still find workshops where this tradition continues, passed down through the generations by skilled artisans.  Medieval jewelers, often emulating the work of the Byzantine goldsmiths of Constantinople, embellished crosses, reliquaries and the covers of bibles with filigree.  These were enriched with precious stones, polished and enameled, creating a beautiful artifact. 
During the Middle Ages, the art of making filigree was practiced also by the Moors of Spain with great skill.  They exported this craft to the New World, with their subsequent explorations.  Delicate and complex filigree jewelry is still made in modern day Spain.  
The Irish, who are renound metal workers, also practiced filigree work.  A number of reliquaries and personal jewels of beautiful filigree have been recovered. 
Instead of using the characteristic pattern of fine curls of thread, Irish filigree is characterized by designs in which one thread can be traced through various knots, with special arrangements that are difficult to trace with the eye. 
The wire thread, appears and disappears without breach of continuity and is usually worked into the head of a serpent or monster.
Silver filigree brooches and buttons were also made in Scandinavia.  Little chains and pendants were added to much of this Northern work.