Russian Silver

Prior to the Russian revolution, especially from the mid-1800's through 1910, Russia was celebrated as producing some of the finest silver work anywhere in the world. For decades, the Russians had looked at European craftsmanship, and farsighted leaders such as the czarina Katherine the Great had ordered the creation of work-centers in Russia to produce fine jewelry, porcelain, silver and gold objects of art that would eventually equal and even surpass those of Europe at that time. Russian silver work began to rise.

Unique designs of silverware, tableware, samovars, Russian tea-sets and tea caddies, vodka drinking glasses (kvosh), sculpture, jewelry, enamelware, lacquer, ceremonial weapons, picture frames, orthodox crosses, icons and other decorative items were painstakingly crafted by the finest Russian silversmiths. Their reputation for workmanship indeed came to be considered the finest in quality, and the hallmarks of the finest work masters that were stamped to enhance each brand became widely known and collectible.

Antique Russian Silver

Much of this fine Russian silver work was exported and sold to Europe, where Russian brands like the House of Faberge were amongst the most coveted. Although known mostly for creating the royal Faberge eggs, literally thousands of pieces of fine Russian silver were produced in his workshops by his workmasters and branded with the privileged Faberge hallmark.

At the Russian American Company store in Sitka Alaska, we have some fine examples of antique Russian silver from this era, in the form of tableware, enamelware, sterling silver antique 3 bar Russian crosses, and pre-revolutionairy Russian icons. Russian antiques are rare and extremely collectable, and becoming investments as they continue to appreciate in value.

In todays Russia, silver craftsmanship has almost disappeared, or at least is well-hidden. Current laws prohibit the export of sterling silver or gold items from Russia which has curbed the demand and forced jewelers and othercraft workers to choose other mediums. For example, although a large percentage of the worlds jewelry quality amber comes from Russia; almost all of it goes to the Baltic Republics to be crafted into jewelry designs, especially to Poland and/or Hong Kong or even China to be made into jewelry. No one has ever been able to replicate the original works of Faberge; although the brand does still exist and contemporary Faberge jewelry still stands for the highest quality of materials and workmanship.

Please browse our website to discover our selected pieces of Russian silver and antiques; a collection that we are striving to source and upgrade all of the time. These rare and unique items are pieces of Russian history and art, and would be a desired addition to any discriminating collector of Russian antiques and objects of Russian art.

Russian Silver

Antique Russian Silver

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