A brooch, LEITÃO & IRMÃO

Leitão & Irmão was the most celebrated Portuguese silversmith and jeweller of the late nineteenth century. Founded in Porto in 1822, it rose steadily throughout the nineteenth century until it became supplier to the Brazilian imperial household in 1872. In 1877, already serving a highly distinguished clientele that included the Portuguese royal household, it opened a most luxurious shop in Lisbon - an event deemed worthy of mention in the "Farpas" of Ramalho Ortigão. In 1886, the bridal jewels presented by the Portuguese royal family to the future Queen D. Amélia were supplied by Leitão, and the following year, 1887, the firm received the distinction of Jeweller to the Portuguese Crown. At Chiado, the Leitão shop sold refined and sophisticated jewels, silverware and luxury objects. Many pieces were created in its own workshops, but many others were imported from the rest of Europe, above all from France, as is the case with the present brooch.

Private collection, Porto.