Did you know that the young women of Viana do Castelo dreamed of owning a necklace full of Viana Beads? Since this tradition required a significant investment, the beads were purchased one by one with money earned from selling eggs and chickens, or given as gifts from relatives on festive occasions. Portugal Jewels revives this history with a selection of jewelry featuring Viana Beads so you can celebrate all your achievements.
Necklace Viana's Conta in Gold Plated Silver
Earrings Viana’s Conta in Gold Plated Silver
Bracelet Viana's Conta in Gold Plated Silver with Pearls
Bracelet Viana's Conta in Gold Plated Silver with Cord
Bracelet Viana's Conta in Silver with Cord
Bracelet Viana's Conta in Silver and Onyx
Earrings Viana’s Conta in 19,2Kt Gold
Bracelet Viana's Conta in 19,2Kt Gold with Pearls
Earrings Viana’s Conta 8mm in 9Kt Gold
Bracelet Conta in Silver and Green Tiger Eye
Necklace Viana's Contas in Gold Plated Silver
Bracelet Viana's Conta in 9Kt Gold with Pearls
Bracelet Viana's Conta in 19,2Kt Gold with Lapis Lazuli
Necklace Viana's Conta in 19,2Kt Gold
Bracelet Viana's Conta in 19,2Kt Gold with Malachite
Bracelet Viana's Contas in Gold Plated Silver
Earrings Viana’s Conta XS in Gold Plated Silver
Bracelet Viana in Gold Plated Silver
Earrings Hoops Viana’s Conta in Gold Plated Silver
Necklace Viana's Contas in 19,2Kt Gold with Pearls
Earrings Hoops Viana’s Conta in Silver
Bracelet Four Viana's Contas Green in Gold Plated Silver
Necklace Viana's Contas in Silver
Bracelet Four Viana's Contas in Gold Plated Silver with Pearls
Earrings Three Viana’s Conta in Gold Plated Silver
Necklace Viana's Conta in 9Kt Gold
Bracelet Four Viana's Contas Blue in Gold Plated Silver
Bracelet Viana's Conta in Silver with Pearls
Earrings Viana's Conta in 19,2Kt Gold with Baroque Pearls
Earrings Half Viana’s Conta in Gold Plated Silver
Earrings Viana's Conta in 19,2Kt Gold with Pearls
Bracelet Viana's Contas in Silver
Earrings Two Viana’s Conta in Gold Plated Silver
Necklace Five Viana's Conta in Gold Plated Silver
Necklace Viana's Contas in 9Kt Gold
Earrings Viana's Conta in 19,2Kt Gold with Lapis Lazuli
Necklace Viana's Contas in 19,2Kt Gold with Lapis Lazuli
Necklace Viana's Conta in 19,2Kt Gold with Pearl
Necklace Viana's Contas in 19,2Kt Gold
Necklace Viana's Conta in 19,2Kt Gold with Baroque Pearl
Earrings Viana's Conta in 19,2Kt Gold with Malachite
Necklace Viana's Contas in 19,2Kt Gold with Malachite
Necklace Cross Viana's Contas in 19,2Kt Gold
Necklace Viana's Conta in 19,2Kt Gold with Malachite
Earrings Viana’s Conta XS in Silver
Necklace Viana's Conta in 19,2Kt Gold with Lapis Lazuli
Set Viana's Conta in 19,2Kt Gold with Lapis Lazuli
HISTORY OF THE VIANA'S CONTA
The bead is the most common type of adornment across all cultures and the oldest of them all. It is believed that, in ancient times, it served as a protective amulet before becoming a mere ornament. The first beads were made of simple, easily accessible materials such as shells and small stones, but with the rise of metallurgy, the first metal specimens appeared, in gold or silver.
Gold, due to its intrinsic characteristics, soon became the most desirable raw material for the creation of this type of jewelry. The oldest beads were simple solid spheres, pierced to allow a string to pass through so they could be worn around the neck. As metalworking techniques developed, more complex examples began to appear.
In Portugal, various types of beads are known, although the Viana Beads are the most famous. Their roots, like many other types of Portuguese beads, can be traced back to the hollow Greek beads, pierced and decorated on the outside.
Just like the Heart of Viana, the beads also take their name from the city of Viana do Castelo, although they are produced in the town of Póvoa do Lanhoso and the city of Gondomar.
The young women of Viana do Castelo aspired to own a necklace full of Viana Beads in gold, but since this tradition required a significant investment, the beads were bought one by one with the money they saved from selling eggs and chickens, or in some cases with gifts from relatives on festive occasions such as birthdays and first communions. For this reason, it was rare to find a necklace that was complete, unlike what we see today in jewelry stores.
MANUFACTURING PROCESS
1. The Viana Beads are made of two hollow half-spheres, which are successively hammered in molds until they reach the desired curvature.
2. Small holes are made so they do not retain air inside and to allow a cord or chain to pass through.
3. The two halves are soldered together to form a sphere.
4. Finally, the exterior is decorated with several circles of filigree, with a granule at the center in the same material.
VIANA'S CONTA IN 19.2KT GOLD
The Portuguese Gold Collection, made in 19.2kt gold, is a selection of traditional Portuguese goldsmithing. Portuguese gold is among the purest in the world and is certified by the Assay Office of the Portuguese Mint and Official Printing Office.
Discover our Viana Beads in 19.2kt Gold.
