The Fascination of Queen Earrings: From Queen Maria II to Margarida Maldonado Freitas

Have you ever noticed how some jewellery pieces seem to tell a story all by themselves?
They need no captions or explanations – just a glance and you feel that there are centuries of memories, traditions and, of course, plenty of style.

Queen Earrings are exactly like that! A style of earrings that has been worn by crowned heads, that has strolled through palaces and, more recently, accompanied the wife of the current President of the Republic of Portugal on an official visit to Spain. And the best part? They remain as current and stunning as on the day they were offered to a queen, over 170 years ago.

Today, we invite you on a journey through time. Let's discover the fascinating origin of Queen Earrings, their hidden meaning, and why these jewels continue to be one of the greatest symbols of Portuguese goldsmithery. Oh, and we promise not to be too formal – after all, even queens enjoy a good conversation, don't you agree?

The story begins with a Queen (two, actually)

Before we get to the model we know today, we must go back a little in time. It is believed that the first earrings of this style appeared during the reign of Queen D. Maria I (yes, the same one who gave her name to the famous bridge over the Tagus, and who was also responsible for the creation of the Coração de Viana).

But it was with her great-granddaughter, Queen D. Maria II, that the earrings gained the name and fame they still hold today.

Let's imagine the scene: it is 8 May 1852. Queen D. Maria II visits the city of Viana do Castelo, accompanied by King Consort D. Fernando, the heir prince D. Pedro and the infant D. Luís. The young women of Viana, as a gesture of affection and admiration, offer her a pair of gold earrings, crafted using the delicate technique of filigree.
The queen was so delighted that, from that day on, the earrings became known as "Queen Earrings" – a name that associated the piece with elegance, royalty and good taste. And it was no coincidence that the visit took place. D. Maria II had elevated Viana do Castelo to city status in 1848. This 1852 trip was, in fact, her last visit to the Alto do Minho region. But the legacy remained. And what a legacy!

Many names, one single jewel

One of the most curious things about Queen Earrings is the number of names they have. Depending on the region or oral tradition, we find designations such as:

• "Picadinhos" – as they are called in Ponte de Lima, where some argue this is the original name.
• "À moda da rainha" (Queen-style) – a direct reference to their royal origin.
• "De mulher fidalga" (Noblewoman's) or "rich woman's" – because, traditionally, they were worn by high-status women on formal or religious occasions.

Some also believe that Queen Earrings result from an evolution of the late 18th-century bow-and-pendant earrings, or the more classic "King-style" earrings (in gold, but with a more contained shape).
But whatever the name, the essence remains the same: they are jewels that overflow with tradition, elegance and a deep connection to Portuguese identity.

What makes Queen Earrings so special? (the design)

Now let's get to what matters: the physical appearance. If you have never seen Queen Earrings up close, let us describe them.
They consist of two main parts:

• The top (the button): this is the part that attaches to the earlobe, usually with a hook or screw system. It is small, discreet, but fundamental to the piece's structure.
• The lower part (the pendant): this is where the magic lives. It is made up of a bow fused to a hoop that ends in a point, giving the piece an elegant inverted triangle shape. Inside this hoop, we find a small circular piece that seems to float within the empty space.

And it is precisely in this design that the great fascination of Queen Earrings lies: the play of solids and voids, typical of Portuguese filigree, which gives lightness to the piece and allows light to pass through it, creating reflections and shadows of unique beauty.

The secret symbolism: more than just earrings

Now, prepare yourself for a truly fascinating part. Queen Earrings are not just beautiful. They also have a profound meaning, linked to female fertility and the role of women. Let's decode the code:

• The central circular piece, connected to the hoop that surrounds it, symbolises the bond between child and mother's womb – a relationship of love and dependence that later transforms into freedom.
• The inverted triangle shape at the bottom of the earring has, for centuries, been a female symbol, associated with fertility and the lunar side of womanhood.

In other words, each pair of Queen Earrings is, in fact, a small sculpture with a soul, celebrating woman in her deepest essence. When a bride wears them on her wedding day (a tradition that remains alive), she is not just choosing a beautiful accessory. She is wearing centuries of symbolism and homage to her own femininity.

There are also versions where the earrings are adorned with hearts, flowers and bows – each with its own meaning, but always within this universe of delicacy and strength.

From palaces to runways: the evolution of Queen Earrings

For many years, Queen Earrings were worn almost exclusively by high-status women, as part of their attire for formal or religious occasions. They were, above all, a symbol of wealth and social position.
However, some believe that the model we know today was simplified by the lower classes, who adapted the original design to their resources and tastes.
Over time, Queen Earrings ceased to be an exclusive of the nobility and became part of the popular imagination. Today, they are worn at folk festivals, processions and religious events, being an integral part of the Viana costumes of the Lavradeiras of Meadela.
But the great novelty of recent decades is the adaptation of Queen Earrings to everyday life. They are no longer just a special occasion jewel. There are smaller, lighter versions, in silver or gold, that can be worn with a white t-shirt and jeans, or with a blazer at the office.

Tradition has met modernity. And the result is stunning.

The "Margarida Maldonado Freitas" moment: the queen of today

We cannot talk about Queen Earrings without mentioning the most recent episode that brought them back to the front pages of newspapers.
In April 2026, Margarida Maldonado Freitas, wife of the President of the Republic António José Seguro, accompanied her husband on an official visit to Madrid. And which jewel did she choose to represent Portugal? Exactly: stunning filigree Queen Earrings.
The choice was not innocent. If at her husband's inauguration Margarida had worn three Corações de Viana as buttons on her dress (invoking love, faith and Portuguese identity), in Madrid she wanted to go further. By wearing the Queen Earrings, she invoked a female symbol, of wealth, status and tradition. She showed the world that Portugal has an excellent goldsmithery, that our traditions are alive and that a woman can be simultaneously elegant, powerful and deeply Portuguese.

It was a moment of national pride. And for us at Lusijoia, it was also confirmation of something we always knew: Portuguese filigree is not just heritage of the past. It is (also) a trend of the present.

Queen Earrings at Lusijoia: tradition within your reach

At Lusijoia, we have a deep respect for the history and symbolism of Queen Earrings. That is why we have worked with the best Portuguese goldsmiths to offer you a selection ranging from the most traditional to the most contemporary.
With us, you can find:

• Queen Earrings in 925 Silver: perfect for everyday wear, lightweight, elegant and with the Lusijoia quality guarantee.
• Queen Earrings in 19.2kt Gold (INCM certified): for special occasions, for a wedding, for a gala dinner, or to offer as an heirloom to future generations.
• Versions with more open filigree (modern) or more closed (traditional): because tastes differ and every woman is unique.
• Various sizes: from the smallest (for those who want a discreet touch of tradition) to the most imposing (for those who like to make a statement).

And the best of all: they are handmade pieces in Portugal, with the certification that has always distinguished us and a 3-year warranty. Because tradition and trust always go hand in hand.

How to wear Queen Earrings every day (yes, it is possible!)

Many people think that Queen Earrings are "too much" for everyday wear. We completely disagree. With the right choices, they look stunning.
Here are some tips:

The secret lies in not being afraid. Queen Earrings are, above all, a celebration of Portuguese women. And that celebration fits anywhere, anytime.

Conclusion: a jewel with history, with soul and with a future

Queen Earrings are not just another pair of earrings. They are a piece of Portugal's history. They have been worn by queens, brides, peasant women and first ladies. They have crossed centuries, wars, fashions and regimes. And they have never lost their place.

Today, more than ever, they are in fashion. Because the world has rediscovered the value of handmade, of the unique, of that which has history. And because Portuguese women (and others) have realised that elegance doesn't have to be boring. It can be fun, it can be symbolic, it can be powerful.

And you? Do you already have your Queen Earrings?
At Lusijoia, we are waiting for you to help you choose the perfect pair. Come and discover our collection, whether online or in our physical jewellery stores. Your story begins here.

See you soon!

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