Armenian lace

Refers to lace made in Armenia, Cyprus, Turkey, and the Greek Islands, and characterized by the use of a single needle and traditional techniques and stitches. Designs and stitches vary in different regions, but in general it is characterized by extreme delicacy and intricacy of design. It often is made with silk thread and includes gold threads and is decorated with pearls and various precious gems. It was particularly popular in the 17th century, and was used in lace borders on apparel, as chalice covers, and on other liturgical linen. Some scholars believe that Venetian lace has its origins in 16th-century Armenian lace.