Our story
Agmia has its origins from the jewellery Maria Paula Espinosa designed when visiting her hometown Colombia back in 2013, inspired by the filigree technique used by artisans in her country and her graphic design background, Maria started working alongside with skilled artisans of Colombia in to create unique and wearable pieces to style and introduce to the Australian market in 2016.
In September 2016 Agmia had its first appearance in well-known design markets around Melbourne when buyers were seduced by this delicate work of fine silver threads soldered together, where each piece is individually handmade ensuring uniqueness in every single item. |
Designer Maria Paula Espinosa, wearing some of her Agmia's Collection pieces |
What is Silver filigree?
The art of working with very fine hairs of silver twisting, bending, and curling them by hand.
Stage one of this long process is to draw the wire out, often to less than half of millimetre in diameter, according to the design, it would be around or flattened finish.
These fine wire pieces are then formed and soldered very delicately into the preferred harmonious shape or design; this stage is completed under a magnify glass bench.
A steady hand, good eyes and consideration of the area to be filled is very important
“I have been always connected to my country in many different ways as an artist, and as you can see filigree is a very special technique that I want it to revive into new items blending traditions of my country and the modern life of Australia.
I have been doing design markets in Melbourne for the last years and it’s amazing to see the reaction of people when they see silver filigree for the first time, they are completely amazed by the intricacy of the pieces and sometimes can’t believe the items are made by hand.
I love the feedback I received from customers and gives me the encouragement of keep presenting this legacy of filigree to other places in Australia.”