Atrio Cuff Links Portugal Tile Antique Azulejo Blue Groom Father Husband Church Mercy PORTO Built in 1590 Gold or Silver Stainless Steel

Use this link to find all of our Cuff Links https://www.etsy.com/shop/Atrio?section_id=10885416

WEAR A PIECE OF HISTORY!

QUESTION: Are your tiles real antique Portuguese Azulejo tiles?
ANSWER: Absolutely not. In our description of each item, we try to call attention to the theft and destruction of antique Portuguese tiles. Even the tiles found in flea markets and antique stores were most likely stolen off a building during the night. We have seen entire home facades disappear during the night to thieves. Thankfully, Portugal just passed a law declaring this theft a crime. We can only hope that it will one day be enforced.
For this reason, we have no part in this despicable crime. We make our own tiles from polymer clay. Ceramic would be far too heavy for earrings and impossible to mold into the shapes we want. For the hoops, we mold the clay as thin as we can get it, so that it will look pretty inside the hoops.

The Church of Mercy of Porto (Igreja da Misericordia do Porto) is located on the celebrated Rua das Flores, a street very popular with tourists visiting Porto. The history of this church goes back to the early 16th century, but the construction works lasted until the end of the century, the church being consecrated no sooner than 1590. The edifice is a mix of architectural styles and influences, combining Renaissance and Gothic elements, as well as Mannerist details and Neoclassical touches.

This state of affairs is due to the fact the church underwent major restoration works somewhere during the 18th century when, after a period of abandonment, it almost turned into a virtually ruined structure. It was from this period that the Baroque and Rococo elements date back, and they are owed chiefly to Nicolau Nasoni, one of the main architects commissioned to redesign and to rebuild the church.

Thus, across the centuries, the church gathered a wealth of highlights, such as, starting from the exterior, the 18th century Baroque facade, the Neoclassical woodwork inside the edifice and the decorative ceramic tiles from the first half of the 17th century (originally designed in Lisbon and then brought here). A Flemish fountain also pegs out the interior of this place of worship, being one of the oldest elements of the decorative patrimony of the edifice.

Wear a Piece of HISTORY!

Included with each Cuff link purchase is a Gift box. They measure 17.4mm and are solid stainless steel.

Please feel free to email me with any questions you may have.

Thank you,
Atrio
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The term Azulejo or Tile dates back to the time of Arab occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. The term "azulejo is derived from the Arab word (al zulej) which means a smooth and polished stone. It wasn't until the 16th century that the process was perfected into the tile we know today.
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+ Please note that some of our items will come with a tag stating "Return only accepted if tag is attached". There are no exceptions to this policy. 🌺ATTENTION: There is a 5% RESTOCKING fee per item PLUS a $3.50 fee for returned items.
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Although the tiles are water resistant, care should be taken to keep the tiles and metal out of water and away from lotions, including cosmetics, sunscreen, hairspray, etc. The chemicals in these products will dull the finish on the tiles.
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All my tiles are replicas made of polymer clay where the image actually becomes part of the clay through baking. No glue is used in the process. The pieces become waterproof and scratch resistant. Due to the handmade and hand shaped nature of each tile, slight variations will occur, as no two pieces are alike.
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Wear a Piece of History!