Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Filigree \Fil"i*gree\, n. [Corrupted fr. filigrane.]
   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.

Filigree \Fil"i*gree\, a.
   Relating to, composed of, or resembling, work in filigree;
   as, a filigree basket. Hence: Fanciful; unsubstantial; merely
   decorative.

         You ask for reality, not fiction and filigree work.
                                                  --J. C.
                                                  Shairp.

Source : WordNet®

filigree
     n : delicate and intricate ornamentation (usually in gold or
         silver or other fine twisted wire) [syn: {filagree}, {fillagree}]