From the early decades of the 18th century, Brazil became the world’s largest producer of diamonds until the discovery of South African deposits.
Illustrating that historical heritage, lets look at the Imperial Crown of D. Pedro II of Brazil, one of the country’s most important treasures. It was made by Carlos Marin in Rio de Janeiro for the official coronation ceremony in 1841 using Brazilian gold, 639 (most probable Brazilian) diamonds from his father’s D. Pedro I crown, and 77 cultured pearls replacing the natural pearls from the original necklace bequeathed to him by his father in 1841.
D. Pedro II was sovereign from 1831-1889 after D. Pedro I abdication to become D. Pedro IV of Portugal. At this point, Brazil (independent from Portugal since 1822) was still the largest producer of diamonds, a position that lasted until 1866 when diamonds were discovered in the British Cape Colony, today in South Africa.
The nearly 2 kg gold crown is on permanent display at the fabulous Museu Imperial in Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro state, a must visit if you are in the area.
In 2004, the Brazilian maison SAUER, founded by the late Jules-Roger Sauer (1921-2017), made a silver gilt replica of the imperial crown that took 18 months to finish, being set with 596 cubic zirconias and a total of 80 cultured pearls. The 2.77 kg crown replica can be visited in the Museu Sauer in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
In the photos, the original Imperial Crown of D. Pedro II of Brazil and a c. 1862 oil on canvas “The Emperor’s speech” by Pedro Américo (Peter II of Brazil in the opening of the General Assembly) © Museu Imperial, Petrópolis
Guest articles by Rui Galopim de Carvalho:
https://gem-spectrum.com/category/rui-galopim-de-carvalho
About the author:
Rui Galopim de Carvalho is a renowned independent Gem Education Consultant, author, luxury industry training expert and popular international lecturer on gemmology and on the history of gem materials. During his 30 year experience as a gemmologist, Rui has studied important collections in both public and private museums, notably the Portuguese Crown Jewels.
Founder of the popular Home Gemmology webinar series launched during the COVID-19 lockdown, Rui has a long history as a gemmology communicator, notably on social media where he is a popular figure.
He is associate editor of Gem-A’s Journal of Gemmology, Vice-President of the Coral Commission of The World Jewellery Confederation – CIBJO, member of the Communications Committee of ICA (International Colored Gemstone Association), ambassador for LAUREL -Portuguese Association of Excellence Brands (ECCIA member) and consultant for several private collections and trade organizations.
Rui Galopim de Carvalho can be reached through his website:
