Today, I want to introduce you to this slow jewellery brand from Porto I’ve worked with as a model and I’m a huge fan of ever since. Liliana Guerreiro Joias is a small independent label, made in Portugal, with a focus on contemporary reinterpretations of ancient filigree designs. I first discovered the brand in 2018 during the opening of their first shop in Porto’s art district. The designer and I got along and she invited me to model her most stunning and luxurious collection: Dew. With Valentine’s Day far approaching and many of you potentially looking for fine jewellery to gift, I thought it would be the perfect time to present Liliana Guerreiro’s beautiful and ethically handmade creations.
A slow jewellery brand made in Portugal
Handmade filigree technique
The reason why I was so drawn to this particular designers’ work in the first place is the fact that every piece is handmade in Portugal, which is very rare nowadays. In an industry where drop-shipping and a total lack of transparency are the norm, I appreciate the commitment to sourcing local artisans and promoting Portuguese know-how. In fact, every piece is handmade in Viana do Castelo, in the Douro region.
The intricate filigree technique, which is one of the oldest in the world, is another detail that caught my eye. Filigree is made with tiny beads or twisted threads of silver or gold, soldered together, to form a lace-looking design. Handmade filigree takes ages as it is intricate and requires a lot of skills and patience from the artisan.
Engagement rings and wedding jewellery pieces
The gold and diamond collection
Here, I’m modelling the Dew collection, which is a contemporary take on the filigree technique I just described. This particular line focuses on gold and diamond, engagement rings and wedding jewellery pieces. You can still shop them on the website if that’s something you’re looking for at the moment.
However, that’s not the main collection. These are statement pieces of the brand, imagined for special occasions and celebrations. They are on the pricier side to reflect the nature of the materials and the time it took to make them.
Valentine’s Day gifts for her
Artisan fine jewellery made in Portugal
Other collections focus on fine filigree jewellery you can wear day-to-day, which are more suited for Valentine’s Day gifting. Bocais and Malha, for example, are all about the filigree technique but the main material is dark silver, which makes them a lot more budget friendly and easier to wear on a daily basis.
If filigree is not your style and you’re looking for something a bit more bold and colourful, take a look at the “Cores” (colours in English) collection. This line of silver pieces adorned with dots made of painted resin is super cute and unique.
Website: lilianaguerreirodesign.com
Shop: Rua do Rosário 129, 4050-523, Porto, Portugal or any of these retailers.
Follow: @lilianaguerreirodesign
Photoshoot production: Catarina Bianchi Prata & @coloniadesignstudio // Makeup: @Patricia_Make
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