me, “there are fossil-studded cliffs and prehistoric
wonders that provide a daily dose of inspiration, which are reflected in my artisan beads and
jewelry. I love all things ancient. I love the stories
behind them, the texture, patina, everything. In
my past life I’m convinced that I must have been
either an archaeologist or a pirate,” she laughs
as she tells me, “because I’m also fascinated by
all the treasures the sea holds. Unlike pirates
though, I think I’m more intrigued by the story
behind things than their monetary value. Who
owned them? Who made them? What tools they
used? How did they end up down there?”
“Only last year, divers discovered a huge amount
of amphoras (ancient jugs, or vessels) from the
Phoenician period in Maltese waters. They say
that there were over 50! Can you imagine go-
ing for your usual dive and suddenly stumbling
across that amount of beauties? I would have had
a heart attack that’s for sure!” I don’t know about
the rest of you, but I am about ready to pack a
suitcase and pay Marica a visit.
I asked Marica about Maltese techniques, and she
said that there is a specialty locally in filigree. “The
tradition can be traced back hundreds of years.
It requires great skill and a lot of patience. I don’t
think I have the patience for it to be honest. To
make this type of filigree, they first melt and mix
the metals. Next, they form an ingot. From the
ingot they produce an assortment of wire of various thicknesses. They then use the wire to make
the outer “frame” of the piece. What follows next
is mind blowing to me each time I watch them
do it. They fill the frame with tiny and thin bits of
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