ALEXEI SOLDATOV | ALEX SOLDIER

Smoky Quartz and Diamond Pendant Necklace

Touted as one of Russia’s major “religious centers,” Suzdal is an 11^th century city that houses spectacular 13^th and 17^th century churches and cathedrals.

Russia is also home to featured jewelry designer Alexei Soldatov.

EKATERINA POKROVSKAYA

18K Gold Infinity Cocktail Ring
with  Quartz and Cubic Zirconia 

The 18^th century Russian structure Catherine Palace is a visual feast for the eyes.  

Ordered for construction by Empress Catherine I, its exterior “contains over 100 kg of gold” while its interior boasts Hanging Gardens, Neo-Palladian accents and the ethereal Hall of Lights.  

Russia is also the birthplace to featured jewelry designer Ekaterina Pokrovskaya.

ALEKSANDRA VALI

Oxidized Sterling Silver
The Spark of Passion
Brooch Pin with Coral

Affectionately known as “Mother Volga,” the Volga River is not only Russia’s major water source, and the country’s national river, but it is also the largest river in Europe.  Russia is also the birthplace to featured jewelry designer Aleksandra Vali.

ANAT KAPLAN | ANOUK JEWELRY

14K Gold Music Pendant Necklace with Moonstone

Lake Baikal, located between Irkutsk Oblast, Russia and Buryat Republic, is the world’s deepest freshwater lake and is home to over 2,600 animal and plant species.

Russia is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Anat Kaplan.

LANA JEWELRY

Renowned for its French, Russian, and Italian architecture, the Kuskovo Estate, located in Moscow, Russia, is a feast for the eye both internally and externally.

The regal locale houses over 33,000 pieces of extraordinary glassware, and ceramics. Russia is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Lana Fertelmeister-Bramlette.

LENA SKLYUT

Built in the 16th century, Belarus' picturesque Nesvizh Castle holds an eclectic array of architectural styles from Neo-Gothic to Baroque. Once owned by the Radziwill family, the structure has undergone extensive renovations to be unveiled some time this year. Belarus is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Lena Sklyut.

Sklyut enlists the slithering, coiling image of a snake as part of her company's logo. To some the imagery is inherently negative seemingly suggesting Eve's fall in the Garden of Eden.

Sklyut, however, has a different take. "The snake represents power, intuition, and grace of movement," she says. While these characteristics are definitely representative of women, they can also adequately describe Sklyut's design aesthetic and creative process.

Her aesthetic, in part, seems influenced by the masterful designs of the Art Nouveau Period, as well as the personal emblems of ancient French kings.

Though not as flamboyant in comparison with less elaborate proportions, her use of strong, classic shapes, 18-karat yellow and white gold, and vividly colored gemstones render items of spectacular beauty.

"Love them or hate them, my jewels are meant to be noticed!" says Sklyut. Indeed, From the Depth of the Sea is a collection that features a necklace with an exquisite fish motif. Fashioned from emeralds, two fish curve into each other--head to tail--forming an open circle; five more of these fish circles are linked to build the necklace.

From the same collection is her Spring Love Set highlighting the dazzling glow of yellow gold, and the flicker of tiny South Sea Pearl accents that are offset by large, smooth pink quartz.

It is quite simply beautiful jewelry with glamour and regal flair clearly built upon a fascination with colors and forms in nature, as well Russian and French iconography.

"My jewelry is for women who are aware of their sense of style and not preoccupied with following trends. These kinds of individuals will find my designs aesthetically pleasing and inspirational."
_________
Photo 1 (top right): 18-Karat Yellow Gold Four Snake Ring with 95 Carats of Smoky Quartz and Diamonds
Photo 2 (bottom left): 18-Karat Yellow Gold, Smoky Topaz and Diamond Ring

SERGEY JIVETIN

The stately St. Michael's Castle (a/k/a Mikhailovsky Castle) in St. Petersburg, Russia is a study of beautiful architectural contrasts with Gothic, Italian Renaissance, and French Classicism motifs.

Russia is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Sergey Jivetin.

NIKOLAI BALABIN

Today we explore the international flora of St. Petersburg's Botanical Garden.

In 1714, the garden was founded by order of Peter the Great and is presently one of the oldest botanical gardens in Russia.

Russia is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Nikolai Balabin.

NATALIA KHON

Wherever you turn in St. Petersburg, Russia, you are bound to see historical monuments, buildings, and sculptures.

 Due to the city's maze of lakes, gulfs, rivers, creeks, and canals, the city was built in a similar fashion to Venice, Italy whereby numerous bridges connect the many islands comprising the city.

Russia is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Natalia Khon.

LIZA SHTROMBERG

Today we are in Moscow, Russia standing in Sobornaya Square just outside the architectural wonder Cathedral of the Annunciation. 

There are bronze doors, with gold foil overlay, located at the north and west portals; the walls feature portions of murals painted by Theodosius, and the floor is made of jasper.

Russia is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Liza Shtromberg.