Jewelry · Tiznit, Essaouira

Silver Filigree Bracelet

Delicate openwork silver bracelets made from fine twisted wire soldered into intricate patterns. A specialty of southern Moroccan silversmiths.

History & Cultural Context

Filigree silverwork came to Morocco through Andalusian and Jewish artisan traditions. Tiznit and Essaouira became centers of filigree production. The technique requires extraordinary patience and steady hands.

Materials

Sterling silver wireFine gauge silver wire drawn to various thicknesses

Production Techniques

Wire drawing and twistingTraditional
Silver pulled through dies to create fine wire, then twisted for texture
Soldering assemblyTraditional
Wire shapes soldered together to build up the pattern

Production Notes

Fine silver wire is drawn through progressively smaller holes, twisted, then bent and soldered into patterns. A complex bracelet takes 3–7 days.

Quality Indicators

Quality

Intricate, consistent wire patternsClean solder joints without excess

Red Flags

Plated base metal passed off as silver

Price Ranges

Budget100 – 300 MAD(~$10 – $30)

Simple patterns, thin wire

Mid-range300 – 800 MAD(~$30 – $80)

Moderate complexity, good silver weight

Premium800 – 2000 MAD(~$80 – $200)

Complex patterns, master silversmith work

Luxury2000 – 5000 MAD(~$200 – $500)

Exceptional artistry, heavy silver, possibly gem-set