The oldest filigree pieces discovered in the Iberian Peninsula date back to 2000 - 2500 BC. These pieces possibly belonged to merchants and navigators originally from the Middle East and are not thought to have been produced in the region at that time. In the 8th century, filigree began being produced in Portugal. It happened with the arrival of the Arab population, who also brought new patterns. With time, the peninsula began to produce different filigree patterns, but while in Spain the filigree jewelry-making tradition became less relevant, in Portugal it was perfected. After the 18th century, the Portuguese Filigree already had its own distinctive imaginary, motives and shapes.[1]

The Portuguese Filigree jewelry-making represents nature, religion and love:

the sea is represented by fish, shells, waves and boats;

the flowers, clovers and garlands represent nature;

the religion is found in crosses, like the cross of Malta, and the reliquaries. Most recently, medals with saints, angels and religious figures;

love, of course, is the inspiration of all hearts in filigree.

Other iconic symbols of our filigree have a historical origin or not totally clear.