Collection: Azulejos Portuguese Tile Jewelry Collection

A Brief History of the Azulejos or Portuguese Tiles

Azulejos first came to Portugal in the 15th Century, when parts of the Iberian Peninsula were still under Moorish rule. Although many assume the word is a derivation of azul (Portuguese for “blue”), the word is Arabic in origin and comes from az-zulayj, which roughly translates as “polished stone”.

Many other countries have tile art, where it is used as decoration like a tapestry. But in Portugal, it became a part of the building. The decorative tiles are a construction material as well as decoration.

You can't miss these Portuguese tiles aka Azulejos when visiting Portugal. They are to be found in many places including palaces, convents, churches, homes and gardens, depicting religious and profane themes.

Some of the beautiful patterns found on the tiles, mostly geometric and floral, are used for pieces of jewelry.

More Portuguese tile jewelry are on the way!