Riches of East European History
Amber, Eggs, Scythian Treasures - East Europe Drips in Jewels
Eastern European history has long contrasted the lives of the poor with the riches of the ruling classes. Despite the disparity, we're still intrigued by these treasures.
The riches from Eastern Europe's history are major draws for art history buffs, students of royal culture, and, archeologists, and Slavophiles. While the possession of these treasures from the past by individuals was often the result of gigantic gaps between the peasantry and the ruling families, their beauty, design, mystery, and provenance of Eastern European riches keep us curious.
Riches of Eastern European History - Russian State Diamond Fund
The Russian State Diamond Fund is one place it's possible to get up close and personal with Eastern European treasures like the Crown of Monomakh. The Fund, started by Peter the Great, keeps all of Russia's riches in one location and maintains strict rules about the collection that resides therein. Some items are on exhibit, while others are kept locked away. The Crown of Monomakh, representative of ancient Russia, was worn by Vladimir Monomakh and Boris Godunov. This impressive "cap" recalls struggles for power in in Rus and early Russian rulers. Other royal riches, including record-breakingly large diamonds, crowns, and Faberge Eggs, are also housed in the Russian State Diamond Fund.
Riches of Eastern European History - Faberge Eggs
Faberge Eggs are Eastern European treasures not only with respect to the inclusion of precious and semi-precious stones and metals in their designs. These items are art objects created with unique vision and techniques. In addition, the Eggs, along with other Faberge-made objects, have graced the tables, vanities, and mantelpieces of royalty all over the world. Faberge's inspiration came from a variety of sources, not the least the whims of his clients. This is perhaps what made him such a successful businessman.
Riches of Eastern European History - Baltic Amber
Baltic Amber has had a prominent place in jewelry-making and decoration in Eastern European history. A special treasure that washes up on the shores of the Baltic Sea, this gift from nature has delighted centuries of Eastern Europeans with its golden hue, ability to catch light, and maleability. The Amber Room, a palacial chamber with walls encrusted in amber, is a piece of Eastern European history steeped in mystery. After having been dismantled in WWII, no one is quite sure what fate the amber panels to the Amber Room met. However, reconstruction of the Amber Room is under way. Archeologists often look to Baltic amber for perfectly preserved insect and plant specimens captured and frozen in the hardened tree resin.
Riches of Eastern European HIstory - Scythian Artifacts
The Scythians, a group of nomadic people that ruled the steppes, left evidence of their wealth and riches even if they did not leave evidence of their demise. Some of the Scythian's gold jewelry is museum-worthy, but their burial mounds, or kurgans, are often looted by those who seek to make a quick dollar on the black market. Scythian jewelry and other Scythian artifacts can be seen on display, but no one knows what items may have eluded archeologists.
