The custom of wearing a ring on the third finger of the left hand dates back to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians believed that the vein in the ring finger, flowed straight to the heart. And through this vein sentiments of love and prosperity are carried.
Filigrana is the Spanish word for this lace-like type of work, in English it’s Filigree.
The traditional Sardinian wedding ring is said to bring wealth and prosperity. The globules on the Sardinian wedding ring are inspired by corn ears and it’s typically flat, decorated with small drops. It’s an intricate work that dates back centuries. The ring is made from gold or silver; using fine wires or minute globules which are soldered together to form a lace-like pattern.
I’ve befriended the local orafa or goldsmith a few months ago as I was in search of a new wedding ring. We spoke often throughout the weeks, planning my new filigrana Sarda. We went through many traditional ancient jewellery books looking for the one which resembled me best.
Then I let the orafa work his magic in making my ring, for four long months.
Patience is a virtue living on an island, and my bags are packed with it. I was in no hurry and I assured him to take his time. This was my birthday gift of last year from my husband, and I wanted it perfect.
To become a licensed Orafa (Goldsmith) in Italy, all projects must be 70% worked by hand and 30% with machines. His shop is filled with delicately made Sardinian artifacts and stunning pieces of extravagant jewellery.
In a land where everything happens domani, I was more than happy to have waited four months for my piece of perfection.
Coming to Sardinia and want to buy that special gift for a loved one? Look no further.
Valentino is a great, enthusiastic goldsmith, who can turn your dreams into a reality.
ARTE ORAFA
di Valentino Tansu
Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 1
Trinita D’Agultu (OT)
07038
Have you had any jewellery pieces made while on holiday?
My Sardinian Life 
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Gorgeous ring!!! I love the history, especially the part “The Egyptians believed that the vein in the ring finger, flowed straight to the heart. And through this vein sentiments of love and prosperity are carried.” . Beautiful!
Beautiful ring.
Pretty stunning bling, Jennifer!
La fede Sarda. I chicchi rappresentano la spiga, il grano, simbolo di abbondanza e prosperita’.
Ciao
Si, grazie. Come ho detto, “The traditional Sardinian wedding ring is said to bring wealth and prosperity.”
Absolutely stunning!!
Your ring is gorgeous. Don’t lose it in the pool 😉
What a gorgeous ring! I love the history and symbolism behind it too. A wonderful job. Did YOU like the results?
I love the results! I’ve been admiring it all day! Thank you.
Beautiful dear Jennifer, and you did a great post, Thank you so much, I am learning Sardinia more with your amazing sharings… With my love, nia
And this is even more unique due to the particular traditional tecnique behind that work! In ancient Sardinia even the non wealthy families spent a lot of their money to tailor a proper rich dress for the special occasions for the women. A dress with highly priced tissues and gold wires and filigrana buttons and jewels. One dress that would go from mother to daughter and kept with more care than a wedding dress! You can imagine the value sardinian people give to this work!
Ciao Mario,
Thank you for this superb explanation of one of the finest traditions in Sardinia. 🙂
Great post, all filigrana jewelry is gorgeous.
Ciao Angela,
Thank you for liking my post! I left a comment on your blog thanking you about the information on Sardinian traditional dresses, and I see now that it wasn’t you. I was the comment above. I’m sorry for any confusion, it happens in this neck of the woods. 😉
Now I loved this post!!!!!
I loved the history, and the learning about the jewelers needing 70% by hand!! I love that idea!!!! I know I get mocked when I wear my handmade rings but to me makes them allt he more special to have something handcrafted.
Beautiful ring!!!
Thanks for sharing and tell Hubby my birthday is in July. Tee he he!!!
Thank you! It’s what makes a gift special, being handmade. I’m not for the over-priced ‘everyone’s got one‘ gift kinda girl. I think society has fallen out of traditions and enjoys the faster way of getting things.
Love this! What a beautiful ring…….
Wow, you’re fast! Just finished clicking the publish button and I’ve got my first comment. Thank you! It was well worth the wait. 🙂