New linen thread


January the 5th, 2016
I am proud and happy to present you with my recent find – natural, high quality linen thread, of beautiful noble colours. Only a few things are created yet, but, no doubt, the range of colours and jewelry made out of it will only grow. Now, a wide choice of synthetic threads is available. However, I was fully determined to find natural thread, firm and solid enough to avoid stiffening of finished jewelry pieces. This linen thread is really firm, produced by using special technology which makes it dirt-proof, suitable for wearing in any weather. And they only get stiffer when moistened. Differently from usual linen thread, they have a smooth and shiny texture.


    The history of these threads is very special, retaining its connection to the past, which is so resonant with Filigrania’s philosophy and values. Production of these threads was launched in France, in the middle of the 19th century. Business started flourishing when the son of the founder took over running the company. He was remarkably talented as a businessman and lead an unusual way of life full of philanthropic aspirations. Single by choice, this man put all his energy into company’s success, and donated all profits towards social causes. One of the methods applied by him to achieve success is the following. Unlike his competitors, keeping prices illogically low, he used an uncompromising pricing policy and introduced, as we would say now, loyalty program which generously remunerated returning customers. He also took great care of his employees and agents. Thus, at peak sales, the company sold 93 million spools, the equivalent of three spools per Frenchman per year!
    At the end of the 19th century, the demand for linen thread declined, mainly due to the emergence of sewing machines which were unsuitable for linen threads. And it is highly possible that the brand would have been lost. Luckily, in 2007, two businessmen, equally talented and determined as their predecessor, also French, decided to bring the brand back to its former glory. They overcame a lot of difficulties, made machines work again, some of which date back to the end of the 19th century. Today, these quality threads are used in making a lot of high-range products, and are particularly loved in leatherworking. Once in a year the machines are stopped – and they definitely need to rest, for some of them will soon be nearly 150 years old!
 

Lina Krasnovaitė, „Filigrania“ (C)
2016 01