The exhibition is opening in 1992, coinciding with Portugal’s Presidency of the European Communities and thus it is a cultural act of greatest significance to be able to bring this magnificent collection of pieces dating from the XV to XX centuries before the eyes of the general public. To quote Prof. Reynaldo dos Santos*: «A view today of the nature and originality and wealth of our jewellery of the VIII-XIX centuries is not complete if you have not seen the Ajuda Palace Treasure, which is one of the great national collections which best reflects the wealth and refinement of our taste, as well as the originality of the artists who designed and executed these pieces». These words demonstrate the importance of these collections now on public view.