Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic. An Order of Andrés Bello, Collar, c.1980
(Orden Andrés Bello). Instituted in 1965. The centrepoint of the chain with the Badge of the Order in bronze gilt with navy blue and white enamels, the full obverse and reverse centrepiece of which is lacquered, the Badge suspended from a second badge with incorporates a two-piece construction and bears the bust of Andrés Bello within a wreath in bronze gilt with red, navy blue and green enamels, measuring 38.8 mm (w) x 41.5 mm (h), the chain with fifteen alternating insignia, consisting of eight insignia which bears the initials "AB" (Andrés Bello) in bronze gilt with red and navy blue enamels, with a lacquered finish, measuring 34.5 mm (w) x 26 mm (h), and seven insignia illustrating an open book inscribed "EDUCACION / LETRAS" (Education / Letters) on the left page and "CIENCIAS / ARTES" (Sciences / Arts) on the right page in bronze gilt, each of the insignia with four loops attached, two on either side, each joined together by elongated bronze gilt links, the chain measuring approximately 1,350 mm in length, intact enamels, extremely fine.
Footnote: The Order of Andrés Bello is awarded for services to the arts, in three grades: I Class Grand Cross, II Class Commander and III Class Knight.