Elegant Cufflinks With Diamonds, Probably Moscow c. 1905

Russia at the threshold of the 20th century: Under the last Tsar of the Romanov dynasty, Nicholas II, and his wife Alexandra, the country – despite all adversity – experienced a cultural bloom. In St. Petersburg, the fabulously wealthy nobility celebrated in their palaces, and Parisian fashion was all the rage. Artists such as Tolstoy, Chekhov, and Tchaikovsky created masterpieces that to this day embody the Russian soul. The forms of Art Nouveau, as they had been developed in France since the final years of the previous century, were also embraced in the vast empire of the East: Here, too, long-haired young girls in flowing dresses, water lilies, leaves, and ferns populated the designs of artists, and all inspirations from the native nature were translated into their own designs. The cufflinks presented here exude the spirit of French Art Nouveau. The front sides of the cufflinks display an elegant, asymmetrical design with graceful plant motifs. In the centre of the flowers, a small diamond rose sparkles. The pair is stamped with the Russian hallmark for gold, indicating a fineness of 56 Zolotnik, which corresponds to 14 karat, as well as an undeciphered trademark in Cyrillic letters. Additionally, it carries the assay mark of Ivan Sergeyevich Lebedkin, who was an assay master in Moscow. From the combination of these various hallmarks, it is clear that the cufflinks must have been made between 1898 and 1908, most likely in Moscow. The cufflinks are in very fine condition and were acquired here in Berlin. To this day, the pair tells of the old splendour of Russia and is capable of adding a noble touch to any shirt.

Estimate:$2,800.11

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