178 - A fine Portuguese gold and diamond pendant, second half of 17th century, set throughout with table-cut and rose-cut diamonds, of articulated hinged design, the circular boss surmount above a laça bow knot, the pierced work cross below with closed back setting, in later fitted case, length 7cm. £2,000-£3,000

A fine Portuguese gold and diamond pendant, second half of 17th century, set throughout with table-cut and rose-cut diamonds, of articulated hinged design, the circular boss surmount above a laça bow knot, the pierced work cross below with closed back setting, in later fitted case, length 7cm. £2,000-£3,000 --- This pendant shows similarities to two gold and diamond examples held in the National Museum of Ancient Art in Lisbon (Inv. no. 908 J), The blending of two types of ornament, the bow and the cross, resulted in the typical Portuguese laça bow-knot used to this day with an infinite variety of designs. Literature: D’Orey, L., Five Centuries of Jewellery, National Museum of Ancient Art, Lisbon, pub. Zwemmer, 1995, pp. 46-47, nos. 60 & 61 Condition Report Very good condition. Gross weight 17.8gm. ------ For more information, additional images and to bid on this lot please go to the auctioneer's website, www.noonans.co.uk