Military Order of Christ

A late 18th (or very early 19th) Century, gilt Silver jewelled Badge: the Order’s cross, set with purple-red stones, centred with tiny, white ones; the corners, with spreading rays, also set with white stones; the whole, enclosed in an oval within a scroll, surmounted by a bow, all richly set with white stones of different sizes; gold suspension loop; smooth, concave reverse, showing the elaborate construction of the badge; its centre made as two opposite, stylized fleurs-de-lys with a gold, chiseled rose in the middle (most possibly, a nut retaining the obverse cross).
A lavishly made and most attractive piece, made by a skilled jeweller; extremely fine condition. Dim.: 55,0x41,0 mm. I RR!