Maltese filigree and contemporary jewellery in Berlin

A presentation on Maltese jewellery was recently held at the Maltese Embassy in Berlin. Organised by Daniela Xuereb, wife of Maltese Ambassador in Germany Karl Xuereb, the event hosted more than 60 guests, including members of the Willkommen in Berlin club.

Willkommen in Berlin is a diplomatic club affiliated to the German Federal Foreign Office. Its members come from over 100 countries and include partners of accredited diplomats in Berlin and diplomats themselves.

With Maltese filigree being the core subject of the event, Maltese filigree maker Gaetano Saliba gave a live demonstration of this local tradition. He was accompanied by Maltese designer and contemporary jeweller Nadège Cassar. Both Mr Saliba and Ms Cassar have just exhibited their works at the Importshop fair in Berlin.

After a short welcome by Ambassador Xuereb, Ms Xuereb delivered a presentation on the book by Francesca Balzan – Jewellery in Malta, Treasures from the Island of the Knights (1530-1798), published in 2009.

Ms Balzan, curator of the Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum in Mdina, is working on the forthcoming exhibition of Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, which will focus on jewellery in Malta from prehistoric to contemporary times.

A lecture on the history of Maltese filigree by Marika Azzopardi followed. The presentation delved into the different aspects of filigree jewellery in Malta throughout the 19th century.

Mr Saliba then explained the long and intricate process of the filigree trade, starting from the primary processes of melting silver.

Ms Cassar spoke about wearers’ changing needs vis-à-vis transformable jewellery for practical purposes.

Guests were then treated to Maltese wine and delicacies while taking a closer look at the jewellery on display.