Emperor Pedro I of Brazil founded the National Order of the Southern as a Brazilian order of chivalry on December 1, 1822. The order aimed to commemorate the independence of Brazil (September 7, 1822) and the coronation of Pedro I (December 1, 1822). The name derives from the geographical position of the country, under the constellation of the Southern Cross and also in memory of the name – Terra de Santa Cruz (Land of the Holy Cross) – given to Brazil following its first discovery by Europeans in 1500.

After the fall of the monarchy, Brazil's first republican Constitution, enacted on February 24, 1891, abolished all titles of nobility and all Imperial Orders and decorations. The Order was later re-established by the government of Getúlio Vargas on December 5, 1932, as the National Order of the Southern Cross.

During the Imperial period, the Order of the Southern Cross was not the highest ranking of the Imperial Orders, as it ranked below the Brazilian branches of the ancient orders of chivalry, that originated with Portugal: The Order of Christ (the senior-most Order), the Order of Saint Benedict of Aviz and the Order of St. James of the Sword. Those Orders were shared by Brazil and Portugal; the Order of Christ was shared with the Holy See similar to the Austrian and a Spanish Orders of the Golden Fleece. However, among the Brazilian created Orders, the Imperial Order of the Cross ranked first, having higher status than the Imperial Order of Pedro I and the Imperial Order of the Rose.

The set is made from silver and enamel. The star has manufacturers (H.Stern) and metal content markings on its reverse. This set comes with its original case of issue, full sash, a miniature, and boutonniere.

A fantastic set in almost mint condition by the most well-known jeweler Brazil’s.

Hans Stern (October 1, 1922 – October 26, 2007) was a Brazilian jeweler and businessman. He immigrated from Germany to Brazil at the outbreak of World War II, a couple of years prior to the Holocaust, at the age of 17. He was the fFounder of world-renowned luxury jewelry brand H.Stern.