Regalia of Russian Tsars
Peter Alekseevich
Pectoral cross

The golden cross of Tsar Peter Alekseevich was made in Kremlin workshops in the 80-s of the XVIIth century.
In the center of its obverse there is a small cross made of magnificent emeralds of different cutting and shape, adorned with openwork vegetation ornament and enamels.
The shape and deйcor of the emerald cross allow to classify it as an artwork of West European silversmiths of the XVI-XVIIth centuries.
A carved crucifix on one emerald and a carved inscription “NIKA” on another are of Russian origin and can be dated by the same time.On the cross’s reverse there is a front enameled image of Apostle Peter, the Tsar’s patron Saint.
The enameled decor of the cross in combination with shining precious stones give major impression in accordance with the common tendencies of development of Russian art of the time.
The bright artistic concept and brilliant craft make the item a true masterpiece of the XVIIth century jewelry.