Spanish word

orfebrería

Pronunciation

IPA/oɾfeβɾeˈɾia/

Meaning

  • feminine noungoldsmith's work

Example

Compré una pieza de orfebrería en el mercado.

I bought a piece of goldsmith's work at the market.

Illustration for orfebrería (goldsmith's work)

More examples

¿Dónde puedo comprar orfebrería en esta ciudad?

Where can I buy goldsmith's work in this city?

Core concept

Close-up of delicate filigree on a silver brooch.

Common phrases

  • comprar orfebrería

    buy goldsmith's work

  • pieza de orfebrería

    piece of goldsmith's work

  • tienda de orfebrería

    goldsmith's shop

Similar words

joyería: Fine wearable pieces crafted from precious metals and often set with gemstones.
platería: Handworked objects and ornaments produced primarily in silver.
bisutería: Inexpensive fashion jewelry made from non-precious metals, plastic, or glass.

Definition in Spanish

Arte y oficio de crear y trabajar joyas y objetos decorativos en oro, plata u otros metales preciosos.

Word origin

It is formed by adding the suffix -ería to orfebre (goldsmith), with orfebre coming from Latin aurifaber 'gold-smith' and -ería naming the trade or place of work.

Usage tips

  • Orfebrería commonly names the technique or category of handcrafted metalwork, so speakers often say una obra de orfebrería or name the object when referring to a single item.

Related words

  • orfebregoldsmithnoun

Word lists with this word