filigree

filigree
    n 1: delicate and intricate ornamentation (usually in gold or
         silver or other fine twisted wire) [syn: {filigree},
         {filagree}, {fillagree}]
    v 1: make filigree, as with a precious metal
    

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.
   [1913 Webster]
    

Filigree \Fil"i*gree\, a.
   Relating to, composed of, or resembling, work in filigree;
   as, a filigree basket. Hence: Fanciful; unsubstantial; merely
   decorative.
   [1913 Webster]

         You ask for reality, not fiction and filigree work.
                                                  --J. C.
                                                  Shairp.
   [1913 Webster]
    

96 Moby Thesaurus words for "filigree":
      arabesque, basketry, basketwork, bead, bejewel, beribbon,
      bespangle, bonus, cancellation, cross-hatching, crossing-out,
      decoration, diamond, engrave, extra, extra added attraction,
      extra dash, feather, figure, filling, fillip, flag, flounce,
      flourish, flower, fret, fretwork, frill, garland, gem, grate,
      grating, grid, gridiron, grille, grillwork, hachure, hatching,
      illuminate, interlacement, intertexture, intertwinement, jewel,
      lace, lacery, lacework, lacing, lagniappe, lattice, latticework,
      mesh, meshes, meshwork, net, netting, network, ornament, padding,
      paint, plexure, plexus, plume, premium, raddle, reticle,
      reticulation, reticule, reticulum, ribbon, riddle, screen,
      screening, sieve, something extra, spangle, stuffing,
      superaddition, texture, tinsel, tissue, tracery, trellis,
      trelliswork, trimming, twist, wattle, weave, weaving, web, webbing,
      webwork, weft, wicker, wickerwork, wreathe, wrinkle