Belgium, Kingdom. An Order Of Leopold, Grand Cross Miniature In Gold, Diamonds And Emeralds, C. 1860

(Dutch: Leopoldsorde, French: Ordre de Léopold). Instituted July 11 1832. Civil Division. In Gold, a Maltese cross with obverse arms set with diamonds, with ball finials holding small diamond chips, with a green enamelled laurel wreath between each arm, the obverse medallion features a large light green emerald, the reverse presents white enamelled arms with ball finials and a central medallion featuring the royal cypher of Leopold on a black enamelled field, surrounded by a red enamelled ring with gold detailing, the cross is suspended from a royal crown, the obverse of which is detailed with diamond chips, emerald chips and a ruby chip, the ring presents a central diamond, with five diamond chips on each side, the reverse of the ring is marked with an eagle’s head denoting French manufacture from 1847-1919 for small gold items, a partial mark on the top of the ring, measures 11.70mm (w) x 25.07mm (h – inclusive of suspension ring), 2.8 grams, light residue surrounding the central medallion, enamels intact, a few small diamond chips missing (on from the ball finial on the 3 o’clock arm, and in the crown), otherwise a lovely decoration in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of Leopold was established on July 11, 1832, after a month of contentious debates in Belgian Parliament. It was named to honour King Leopold I, and it has remained the highest-ranking decoration in Belgium since its creation. It is conferred upon Belgian citizens and foreigners in recognition of brave military service and other meritorious services rendered to the state.