Imperial Splendor: Jewels That Once Belonged to Catherine the Great
Imperial Splendor: Jewels That Once Belonged to Catherine the Great
Catherine II, also called Catherine the Great was a formidable ruler. German-Born empress of Russia was the longest-serving female ruler in Russian history and was in power for 34 years. She westernized Russia during her reign and expanded Russian territory significantly.
Catherine’s larger than life personality dazzled through her extensive and extraordinary jewelry collection. She was a connoisseur of fine jewelry. She adorned jewelry to exhibit power and class. It played an important role in her political life and added to her influential stance as a leader. Jewels were not only reserved for ballroom events, in fact she would wear various pieces during meeting with her generals, for example piling loose stones in her hair to create a more intimidating aura. During her reign from 1762 to 1796, wide skirts and jewels expressed wealth and power.
Catherine championed arts and was determined to cultivate Western culture into Russia. The empress commissioned furniture, glasswork, porcelain and jewelry. She had jewelers based in St. Petersburg who who supply exquisite gems for her and her court. Over the years, her collection expanded exponentially that the Winter Palace was converted into the Brilliant Room. There she displayed her massive treasury of necklaces, rings, bracelets, sword belts and more. A reoccurring style noticeable in Catherine’s pieces were Byzantine, Greek and Roman design inspirations. This was a way to strength ties with the Western world.
Catherine the Great had an innate love for emeralds. The gorgeous deep hued color stone was evident in her jewels. After the 1917 revolution, many of the Romanov pieces were smuggled out of Russia. Over the years, many have been sold at Christie’s Auction or restored in museums.
Have a look at some of Catherine the Great’s renowned pieces that have left a remarkable mark in history and her legacy.
Catherine the Great’s spectacular collection of jewels embodies a deep sense of craftsmanship, artisanal skills and design understanding of the 18th century. The art of jewelry making was largely shaped during the Romanov empire. These pieces are an ode to an era of extreme wealth and power of the last imperial dynasty that ruled Russia and are the largest collection of any monarch to exist till date. Catherine the Great’s phenomenal jewels speak of wonder and grace – and with every piece you gain a sheen of prestige history and knowledge of the magnanimous empire that ever existed.
Cover Photo Courtesy: Hermitage Museum
