The jewels of the kings and queens of Portugal are part of a rich historical and cultural legacy, reflecting the splendor of the Portuguese monarchy, especially between the 15th and 19th centuries. These pieces were far more than mere adornments: they symbolized authority, prestige, faith, and a connection with the divine, being worn at coronations, weddings, diplomatic visits, and other solemn ceremonies.
Unlike some European monarchies, Portugal did not possess a fixed set of “Crown Jewels.” Instead, jewels were often the personal property of the monarchs, acquired through inheritance, marriage, or commission. This meant that the collection varied greatly over the centuries, with pieces being sold, melted down, redesigned, or given as diplomatic gifts.
Among the most notable pieces of the Portuguese royal heritage are:
The Royal Crown of Portugal Despite being the ultimate symbol of monarchical power, the Portuguese Royal Crown had not been worn on the head since the 17th century — by tradition, kings were crowned symbolically, without directly wearing the crown. The current piece, made of gold and red velvet, was created in the 18th century and displayed during oaths and important ceremonies.
The Sceptre and the Orb Used in acclamation ceremonies, they represented the monarch’s earthly and spiritual power. The sceptre often featured ornaments with crosses and coats of arms, reinforcing the connection between the monarchy and the Catholic Church.
Queens’ Jewellery The queens consort of Portugal owned their own often sumptuous collections of jewels, including tiaras, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and brooches. Queen Maria I, Queen Carlota Joaquina, and Queen Amélia, for example, were known for wearing luxurious jewels made with diamonds, pearls, emeralds, and sapphires. Many of these pieces were diplomatic gifts or inherited from foreign royal houses such as the French or Spanish.
Religious and Devotional Jewels It was common for monarchs and queens to commission or wear jewels with religious motifs — such as crucifixes, reliquaries, and medallions bearing images of saints. Queen Saint Isabel, who was canonized, is often depicted wearing a crown and modest jewels, reflecting her devotion.
With the proclamation of the Republic in 1910, the Portuguese royal family was exiled, and many royal jewels were taken abroad or disappeared over time. Some were sold to support the exiled family, while others remained in Portugal and were incorporated into the State’s collection. Today, several of these pieces are preserved and displayed at the National Palace of Ajuda in Lisbon, home to the Royal Treasure, inaugurated as a museum in 2022.
Even though many have been lost, sold, or transformed, these jewels still represent a material and symbolic heritage of one of Europe’s oldest empires.