Russian Enamel Jewelry (Finift) - Orthodox Icons

The word Finift (Финифть) is used in Russian to describe decorative painting on enamel. The art of Finift is known in Russia from as early as the 12th Century, and it came to Russia from the Byzantine Empire. The technique involves painting by hand using powder-like pigments and the desired color is achieved by adding metal (gold, copper, cobalt), which shows only after firing. The colors are safe from fading. By the 17-18th century there were several regional styles of enamel miniature in Russia. One of the best known was Finift from the Rostov region.

Although widely used as for religious items such as icons, chalices, clergy crosses Russian Finift jewelry is also known for floral and folk designs used in jewelry. Some works are very elaborate and highly detailed. In this collection, we have focused mainly on religious items. You will find pendants and lockets with Russian Orthodox Icons and crosses. The items in this collection were crafted by artists in the Rostov region.