Portuguese Order of Christ

An unusual Portuguese Order of Christ pendant, circa 1780, of a particularly neat and wearable size. Known as the Cross of the Order of Christ (Cruz da Ordem de Cristo), also the Cross of Christ (Cruz de Cristo) or simply the Portuguese Cross (Cruz Portuguesa), the Order was originally founded in 1319. In 1789 Queen Maria I of Portugal secularized the order. Usually these are set with garnets and colourless topaz or paste but this pendant is set with foiled flat-cut garnets and rose-cut diamonds. The original silver gilt top is set with rose-cut diamonds and unusually, a foiled aquamarine which is the original gem. The silver gilt cross section has a decoratively engraved reverse. It measures 2 and 1/4 inches by one inch. Very fine quality and immaculate.

£3950

flashes of light in the garnets in the sunshine