Delicate vs. Filigree — What's the Difference?

Very fine in texture or structure; of intricate workmanship or quality

Filigree (also less commonly spelled filagree, and formerly written filigrann or filigrene) is a form of intricate metalwork used in jewellery and other small forms of metalwork. In jewellery, it is usually of gold and silver, made with tiny beads or twisted threads, or both in combination, soldered together or to the surface of an object of the same metal and arranged in artistic motifs.

Easily broken or damaged; fragile

Delicate and intricate ornamental work made from gold, silver, or other fine twisted wire.

Requiring sensitive or careful handling

An intricate, delicate, or fanciful ornamentation.

A delicate fabric or garment

A design resembling such ornamentation

Pleasing to the senses, especially in a subtle way

To decorate with or as if with filigree.

Easily broken or damaged

A delicate and intricate ornamentation made from platinum, gold or silver (or sometimes other metal) twisted wire.

Exquisitely fine or dainty

A design resembling such intricate ornamentation.

Frail in constitution or health.

(transitive) To decorate something with intricate ornamentation made from gold or silver twisted wire.

Marked by sensitivity of discrimination

Ornamental work, formerly with grains or breads, but now composed of fine wire and used chiefly in decorating gold and silver to which the wire is soldered, being arranged in designs frequently of a delicate and intricate arabesque pattern.

Very subtle in difference or distinction.

Relating to, composed of, or resembling, work in filigree; as, a filigree basket. Hence: Fanciful; unsubstantial; merely decorative.

Having or showing great consideration or care

Delicate and intricate ornamentation (usually in gold or silver or other fine twisted wire)

Requiring careful or tactful treatment

Fine or soft in touch or skill

Measuring, indicating, or responding to very small changes; precise

Easily damaged or requiring careful handling.

Characterized by a fine structure or thin lines.

Intended for use with fragile items.

Refined; gentle; scrupulous not to trespass or offend; considerate; said of manners, conduct, or feelings.

Of weak health; easily sick; unable to endure hardship.

(informal) Unwell, especially because of having drunk too much alcohol.

(obsolete) Addicted to pleasure; luxurious; voluptuous; alluring.

Pleasing to the senses; refined; adapted to please an elegant or cultivated taste.

Slight and shapely; lovely; graceful.

Light, or softly tinted; said of a colour.

Of exacting tastes and habits; dainty; fastidious.

Highly discriminating or perceptive; refinedly critical; sensitive; exquisite.

Affected by slight causes; showing slight changes.

A delicate item of clothing, especially underwear or lingerie.

(obsolete) A choice dainty; a delicacy.

(obsolete) A delicate, luxurious, or effeminate person.

Addicted to pleasure; luxurious; voluptuous; alluring.

Pleasing to the senses; refinedly agreeable; hence, adapted to please a nice or cultivated taste; nice; fine; elegant; as, a delicate dish; delicate flavor.

Slight and shapely; lovely; graceful; as, "a delicate creature."

Fine or slender; minute; not coarse; - said of a thread, or the like; as, delicate cotton.

Slight or smooth; light and yielding; - said of texture; as, delicate lace or silk.

Soft and fair; - said of the skin or a surface; as, a delicate cheek; a delicate complexion.

Light, or softly tinted; - said of a color; as, a delicate blue.

Refined; gentle; scrupulous not to trespass or offend; considerate; - said of manners, conduct, or feelings; as, delicate behavior; delicate attentions; delicate thoughtfulness.

Tender; not able to endure hardship; feeble; frail; effeminate; - said of constitution, health, etc.; as, a delicate child; delicate health.

Requiring careful handling; not to be rudely or hastily dealt with; nice; critical; as, a delicate subject or question.

Of exacting tastes and habits; dainty; fastidious.

Nicely discriminating or perceptive; refinedly critical; sensitive; exquisite; as, a delicate taste; a delicate ear for music.

Affected by slight causes; showing slight changes; as, a delicate thermometer.

A choice dainty; a delicacy.

A delicate, luxurious, or effeminate person.

Exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury;

Marked by great skill especially in meticulous technique;

Easily broken or damaged or destroyed;

Easily hurt;

Developed with extreme delicacy and subtlety;

Difficult to handle; requiring great tact;

Of an instrument or device; capable of registering minute differences or changes precisely;