Some other gold jewels Archived Message
Posted by Cristina  on April 23, 2014, 4:35 pm, in reply to "Braganza jewels – indian set & other gold jewels"
Thank you Jorge for starting another Braganza jewels thread.
Yes, portuguese gold is indeed one of the finest in the world and the traditional pieces are of a superb craftmanship. Specially in the North of Portugal is still costumary for families to have several gold pieces (earrings, medallions, string necklaces, brooches) that would pass from generation to generation.
And lets not forget about the festivities of Nossa Senhora da Agonia (Our Lady of Agony) that happen every year and have the highlight on the parade of hundreds of young ladies, from all the countys around the city of Viana do Castelo wearing literally All their families gold pieces. We are talking about several million euros of solid gold jewelry being worn in parade in the streets, most of the pieces dating back several generations!!
Not royal but just to show you what I'm talking about here's a couple of pics (from the net), of this fantastic display of portuguese gold jewelry. Like Dona Isabel the ladies are wearing the Brincos à Rainha  .
 
Dona Isabel has yet another impressive traditional style gold jewel: a thick gold chain with a big elaborate cross hanging from it. She wears it usually when atending religious ceremonies.
 
She also has a roung gold medallion she sometimes wears.
I've seen her also wear several other "minor" gold pieces, like simple plain earrings.
And since we are talking about gold pieces, here is a couple of pics of Dona Isabel at one of her prewedding events (bullfight) wearing a beautiful and impressive pair of gols earrings that I have never saw her wear since. Such a pity, I think these earrings are beautiful!
 
Jorge you can be sure about the indian origin of the Duchess's modern gold set, she said it herself on an interview to Flash magazine (I have no precise date for it). The Duchess is usually very open on telling what jewelry or dress she is wearing, when reporters ask her about it.
For those who do not master the beautiful portuguese language, Dona Isabel said "The jewels I'me wearing today were a gift my husband brought me from India, and so, apart from being lovely, they have a special meaning to me". This set is a firm favourite of hers.
Here it is:
If I'm not mystaken I believe Queen Maria Pia also had some fine traditional portuguese gold jewelry, mainly earrings, apart from her roman style gold pieces of course.
From the Palace of Ajuda Collection
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