Brasil: Imperial Order of the Rose
Breast star. Dignitary/Officer. Gold and enamel. 63,7 mm. 60,6 gr. XF. Barac 107/110.

The Order was founded by Emperor Pedro I (1798-1834) two days after his engagement on 2 August 1829 to his future wife, Amélie de Beauharnais von Leuchtenberg, whom he married on 17 October 1829.
Tradition has it that the Order was founded after Dom Pedro was heard to look at Amélie and say
"...beautiful as a rose". The Grand Dignitary ranked second of the six grades of the order and was limited to 16 members at any one time. A total of 84 holders is recorded. The Order was abolished on 22 March 1890. A wonderful example of a very rare senior rank of the most romantic of orders.
Obverse with a six-pointed star of gold and white enamel on a shield of sunrays. The star is surrounded by a circular wreath of eighteen roses. In the centre medallion, the monogram PA (Pedro & Amelia) is circumscribed by the inscription AMOR E FIDELIDADE (love and fidelity).
Reverse with

Lit: Barac1, 185-187.