‘Autumn’ set. Metal, turquoise, moss agate, hot enamel. Mineral art by Vladimir Orzhekhovskiy

Mineral art by Vladimir Orzhekhovskiy
Born in the Kostroma region 14 December 1951, Vladimir Orzhekhovskiy is a talented Russian artist-jeweler. His father loved to paint, and from childhood Vladimir remembers himself sculpting from plasticine soldiers in hussar uniform. The first bike and the first journey on it to the horizon – it was a nearest forest. Thus began his friendship with a backpack and long miles trips, where he found the secret of eternal beauty and nature.
Vladimir creates amazing works of minerals – quartz, zircon, citrine, pearl, amethyst, rock crystal, aquamarine, turquoise, carnelian, jade, agate, and amethyst. Whatever mineral he uses, he tries to keep its original appearance not to loose its connection with nature. His decorative compositions, sculptures and jewelry pieces can not be confused with anyone else, so unique they are.
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Necklace and earrings from the Golden Scarab 2014 collection. Light brown crystals, Czech rhinestone. Firebird jewelry kaleidoscope

Firebird jewelry kaleidoscope
This post features Jewellery inspired by Russian folk tale “Firebird”.
In a far away land a thief was stealing golden apples which had the power of bestowing youth and beauty from Tsar Berendey`s magic Garden. The guards of the Tsar were unable to stop this, for as hard as they tried, the thief always got away. None of the guards could even see this thief. The Tsar was frustrated for he needed the golden apples for himself, as he was married to a very beautiful young Queen.
The only person who spotted the thief was the Tsar’s son, Prince Ivan Tsarevich. As the night came upon the Garden, the young Tsarevich hid under a water bucket and listened closely to every sound around him. At dawn, the Prince almost fell asleep, but the silence was broken by a magical being. The Prince pulled the water bucket up slightly so he could just see through the thin opening. And there it was; The Fire Bird.
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Bag ‘Travel to Piedmont’ embroidered in gold and silk. Lid’oro goldwork embroidery

Lid’oro goldwork embroidery
Russian craftswoman Lidiya Doroganova has been professionally engaged in the restoration of textiles, embroidery and teaching for more than twenty years. She studied and began her work in St. Petersburg, and now lives and works in the Crimean Simferopol. She creatively works in the ancient technique of goldwork embroidery in her own studio Lid’oro goldwork.
Her goldwork restoration includes luxury bags and glamorous royal items with the highest complexity of execution. The author’s collection includes bags, brooches, bracelets and other unique handicrafts. Traditionally, she uses antique fabrics and materials of excellent quality, full of historical meaning. Noteworthy, every item is unique, performed in a single copy. Centuries of experience of old masters get a new life in her work.
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Russian style Axenoff Jewellery. Brooch ‘Anna Pavlova’ Silver 925, enamel, blue topazes, amethysts

Russian style Axenoff Jewellery

Designer Peter Axenoff – the artist and collector of Russian icons. Born in the family of the photographer and icon painter, Peter was immersed in a rich artistic world from an early age and began exploring painting, architecture, ballet, theater and historical costumes. Over time, the creative energy and knowledge enabled him to realize his passions with the help of jewelry and develop his own brand.
According to Pyotr Axenoff, he finds inspiration in Bryullov, Vrubel, Mucha, Waterhouse and Rossetti. Also, concerts by Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saens and Bizet, the novels of Tolstoy and Pushkin. Among the many sources of inspiration a special place in his heart takes Diaghilev Russian Seasons.
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Brooch, given by the XVIII Duke de Plasencia José María Martorell y Téllez-Girón as a symbol of their oath and commitment to one another. Sapphires, diamonds, rubies, opals, emeralds. Dona Maria de la Concepcion butterfly

Dona Maria de la Concepcion butterfly
The XVIII Duke de Plasencia and Dona Maria de la Concepcion lived during the very turbulent and politically unstable years of the Spanish Civil War. They first met in Madrid, by chance on the terrace of the Hotel Universal in 1931, where it was love at first sight. Yet the political situation separated them; the Duke was forced to take refuge in the Romanian embassy while Dona Maria de la Concepcion left for San Sebastian in the north of Spain.
Only twenty years later did they finally marry, in the famous Chapel of Santiago de Compostela. Duke gave this brooch to Dona Maria de la Concepcion during one of their rare encounters in Biarritz, during their time apart. A symbolic gift, the butterfly’s wings represented freedom from the difficult political situation. Also, it was a symbol of their oath and commitment to one another.
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Victorian brooch in the form of a dove and a horseshoe, 1880s, symbolizing luck, peace and love. Horseshoe jewellery kaleidoscope

Horseshoe jewellery kaleidoscope
A friend was visiting the famous atom scientist, Nobel Prize winner Niels Bohr in his home. During the talking, the friend kept staring at a horseshoe hanging over the door. At last, his curiosity made him ask:
“Niels, it can’t possibly be that you, a brilliant scientist, believe the foolish horseshoe superstition?!”
“Of course I don’t,” replied the scientist. “But I understand it’s lucky whether you believe in it or not.”
Belief in lucky horseshoe quality – one of the most common modern superstitions among many people, regardless of religion – Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and atheists. Everyone believes that a horseshoe brings good luck to the house, but not everyone knows where this belief has come from.
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Christmas bauble ornament decorated with beads, crystals and sequins. Kaleidoscope of beaded baubles

Kaleidoscope of beaded baubles

Handmade Christmas toys have already become collectible. And if you have retro ornaments from grandmothers you are lucky. No need to buy exclusive jewelry, the beauty can be created. Whatever else be lost among the years, Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing… ~ Grace Noll Crowell.

These ornaments remind us of the delight of the most important holidays of humanity – Christmas and New Year, when waiting for Christmas meant waiting for a miracle. And they take us away to the glorious Victorian era – the realm of luxury craft and creativity that continue to inspire. The process of creating such ornaments is extraordinarily exciting. What master who has ever worked in this technique, didn’t feel like Faberge! Decorated with beads of bright colors, crystals, shells, ribbons and sequins glass or satin balls is truly exquisite decoration for any Christmas tree.
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