16th-century Gold Jewellery: Details from the Setúbal Altarpiece, Jorge Afonso's workshop, 1520-1530 AD

With the Age of Exploration, the import of precious metals and precious stones greatly increased. Foreign goldsmiths also came in increasing numbers to Portugal, from Spain, Italy, Flanders and Germany, attracted by Lisbon’s temporary wealth.

Jewellery was very diverse: necklaces, crowns, rings, hat medals, hairdos applications, earrings, brooches, fasteners and belts were all likely fields for jewelled ornament. Containers were elaborately worked with floral ornament and pearls. The two details from the panel with the Adoration of the Magi show details of containers and jewellery.

© 1998 Oxfordshire Museum Service, Setúbal Museums and the Benaki Museum