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Q: I like this jewelry and never saw it before. Where did it come from?

    A: Russian Enamels were originally recorded in chronicles (from the Ipatiev monastery) as early as 1175. In ancient Russia colored enamels were considered to be the most expensive and beautiful items, the production technique of which was borrowed from Byzantium. As time went on, the art of enameling acquired traditionally Russian national features. It is in the enameling art that the Russian love of color and luster is best reflected. These magnificent objects represent very high technological level. The name of this technique came from Greece word 'fingitis' (i.e. white stone), then it changed into 'finipt' and then 'finift'.

     An enamel is made of copper. At first a copper plate is covered with enamel powder. The powder is laid on the surface of the plate by pulverizing. Then an artist paints the surface of the plate with the several coatings of enamel and places it into a kiln. After being treated at a high temperature the articles become really fantastic. The sparkle, purity and transparency of enamel colors make the articles look remarkably unforgettable.

     This particular art flourished in the 18th century in the old Russian town Rostov the Great that was famous for its rich artistic traditions during the whole history of Russia. Many generations of artists and craftsmen have preserved ancient  traditions and developed this national Russian art up to the present. Since then the enamel articles have been known as 'Rostov finift'.

     We admire beautiful panels, boxes (caskets), delicate bracelets, necklaces, brooches, rings and earrings with their rich color scheme and refined filigree of silver-plated copper and silver. All this helps the viewer feel the warmth of skillful handcraft, so rare and valuable in our engineering century. A rich color scheme is typical for Rostov enameling. It also gives them a poetic treatment.

The unique works of the talented artists and jewelers evoked admiration both in Russia, Japan, France, Italy, USA and many other countries.

     'Art' helps people to come to know and understand each other. It unites them thus supporting them to oppose dissociation which is steadily gaining control over the whole world. And this is what the great Russian writer Dostoyevsky mean by saying 'Beauty will save the world'.