Imperial Crown of Russia Russian Miniature Crown Jewels

Imperial Crown of Russia Russian Miniature Crown Jewels

Item Ref: 28052
Our price: £36.50

The Crown of Russia was created by the court jeweller J. Posier in 1762 for the coronation of Catherine II.  It was not completed in time for use at the ceremony, but was later used as the Imperial Crown of Russia until 1917, the last occasion on which it was actually worn being at the State opening of the Duma in 1906.  It is made of silver, pearls and it is also decorated with one of the seven historic stones of the Russia's Diamond Collection - a large precious red spinel weighing 398.72 carats which was brought to Russia by Nicholas Spafary, the Russian envoy to China from 1675 to 1678.  It is traditional in form with two open hemispheres, at the centre is a strap with an orb and cross.  The diamonds trace a laurel leaf pattern symbolising power and glory.

In 1762, after moving into the new Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg, Peter succeeded to the throne as Peter III of Russia, but his eccentricities and policies alienated the same groups that Catherine had cultivated. Grigori Orlov, Catherine's lover at the time, headed a conspiracy that proclaimed Catherine the ruler, and Peter was murdered not six months after taking the throne, on July 17, 1762. There has been speculation that Catherine was involved in Peter's death, but her complicity has never been proven.

Base metal: Lead free Pewter silver toned, velvet hat, Swarovski ELEMENTS.This product comes with a Gift box and romance story card.

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