To Filigree Or Not To Filigree?

In my quest to define what filigree means I came across many pieces termed filigree that were actually either pierced or cast.

Bib-style gladiator filigree necklace

This piece was created by thehouseofhemp, and looks to be made up of cast elements. Compare the difference between it and a piece by Victoria Lansford.

Curves in the right places II

Stacey Lee Webber

Just when I thought I had seen every possible variation of filigree, I came across Stacey Lee Webber's work. OMG!

The FancyWork Series: Jeweler’s Tools
2006-2007

Historically, filigree was commissioned by the wealthy from places such as China and India, where labour costs were lower and the idea behind the jeweler's tools is to return "the fruits of the labour back to the labourer."

More on Victoria Lansford

STARDUST ON MY SLEEVE

Victoria Lansford's emphasis lies not only with how her pieces look when worn, but more with how the person wearing them feels. The kind of filigree she does is Russian or openback filigree using 18ct or sterling silver frame wire and fine silver for filler wires. What sets her work apart from other commercial filigree, and what I want to emulate, is the intricate patterning of her filler wires. This part of the design evolves as she works.