Mining makes up a major part of the Russian economy, and indeed it is easy to see why. Russia is home to a variety of precious gems that are prized throughout the world for their quality and size. Russia produces about 25% of the world’s diamonds and a large portion of other precious gems, such as emeralds, garnets, and alexandrite, as well as lesser gemstones such as agate, charoite, malachite, and amber.

In 1830, a peasant walking the banks of the Takovaya River in the Ural Mountains discovered a fallen tree with green stones in its exposed roots. These were confirmed to be emeralds, and the area was immediately developed as a mine to supply Russian nobles with high quality stones. The mine yielded not just emeralds, but other gemstones such as aquamarine and alexandrite. Since then, mining for gemstones has been a major industry in the Urals and throughout Siberia.

Alexandrite was soon discovered at the Takovaya mine. It was named for the then-crown prince Alexander, as the gem was discovered on the day that the young czar-to-be came of age. Because alexandrite can be either red or green depending on the type of light—the colors of the Russian military—it held special importance to the people of Russia. Many Russians believe that alexandrite has mystical qualities and can be used in fortune telling. It is also a popular stone for healing and health purposes. In the field of medicine, Alexandrite lasers, which use a synthetic alexandrite crystal as the medium, are commonly used for cosmetic skin treatments.

Another remarkable discovery is Charoite – a beautiful purple stone that has so far only been found in a single mountain located in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) in Eastern Siberia. It was discovered by accident in the 1940′s whilst a rail tunnel was being excavated through the mountain. It was given the name Charoite in 1978, after the Chara River which passes through the area, and has since become known internationally. Charoite is used both as an ornamental stone and as a gemstone, often set into pendants.

Although most of Russia’s mines are centered in the Ural Mountains and Siberia, there are notable mines in the west as well. Russian diamonds are the main gemstone of northern European Russia, with Arkhangelsk a center of their mining. However, diamonds are also mined in Eastern Siberia, especially the Mir and Udachnaya mines.

Russia is known particularly for their colored diamonds, which are becoming increasingly popular in the fashion world. Russian blue diamonds are famous with gem lovers all over the world, but the country also is a major producer of pink, yellow, green, and black diamonds. Before colored diamonds were en vogue, the Russian colored gems were used mainly for industrial purposes. However, colored diamonds are becoming a worldwide trend, opening a new market to Russian gemstone collectors.

Russian gems are rare—more so than other ‘rare’ gems—because of the traditional mining methods used. Traditional mining is more labor intensive than modern methods, but the old ways are still embraced in Russia. In addition, there are significant transportation costs involved in moving the gems from isolated Eastern Russia to trade centers where they can be cut and sold.

Many of Russia’s treasured gemstones are shown in the Kremlin Museum and in collections throughout the world. However, that doesn’t mean that they are out of the price range or reach of gem collectors and lovers of Russian items. A piece of Russian jewelry, or any jewelry with Russian gems, is sure to be a fashion statement as well as a family heirloom that will be treasured for generations. Gems hold their value and are a durable way of showing your love for Russia and your unique sense of style.

Russian art is popular throughout the world and known for its superior style and craftsmanship. However, few products are as loved by collectors as Russian silver and silverware.

Metal mining is one of Russia’s main industries, and the products from this business have been used for centuries to create some of the world’s most beautiful silverware. Russian silverware is best known for its inlays and enamelwork, although filigree and solid silver items are also available. The traditional processes used to make silver products today have been in place since the fifteenth century.

Although European collectors have treasured Russian silver work for generations, Russian silver became especially popular in the United States during the eighteenth century. The high quality and characteristic enamelwork were a recognizable sign of a genteel home. Russian silverware in particular was a collector’s item of the times, recognizable by a variety of Russian hallmarks and also the unique style. Russian silver items are still conversation pieces that show the distinctive, exotic taste of their owners, and the 84 karat mark assures buyers of the high quality of the pieces. Delicate craftsmanship and attention to detail make Russian silver a lovely addition to any modern home.

One recognizable type of antique Russian silver is the distinctive cloisonné of the region. Russian cloisonné is prized for its bright colors and semi-transparent glazes, which create a very different look than Asian cloisonné. The unique style is caused by a special technique used only in Russia and Eastern Europe.

Russia is also home to the Champleve technique of silver enamel inlay. The silver pieces are etched on the surface, and these grooves are then filled with colored liquid enamel. Russian Champleve silver items are still made by hand by Russian artisans and treasured by lovers of Russian handicrafts.

Russian silver is not just an investment in style, but a true economic investment as well. A lot of Russian tableware at a 1996 Sotheby’s auction fetched five million dollars. Although Russian silver can be bought at a variety of prices, it tends to hold its value well even with regular use. This is an investment that owners can also enjoy and use on a daily basis. As long as Russian silver is maintained carefully, it can be handed down for generations.

Russian silver tends to be purer than that of other regions. Most Russian silver and silverware are 92.5% silver with 7.5% copper. Because of the purity of this amalgam, it must be cleaned carefully, without the use of rubber gloves or chemicals cleaners that can corrode the product. Russian silver oxidizes easily and thus must be regularly polished to maintain its smooth, characteristic glow.

A variety of Russian silver pieces, both with and without enamelware, are available for collectors. Silverware for the table, jewelry, and decorative items such as candy dishes are prized by collectors for their high quality and stylistic blend of Eastern and Western influences. Russian silver brings Old World charm and style to modern homes throughout the world.

The Orenburg shawl is one of the icons of Russia, a truly Russian item that can only be made properly by trained Russian artisans according to age-old secrets. Finely knit from the fur of an indigenous goat that is similar to cashmere or angora, the Orenburg shawl offers unbelievable warmth for icy Russian winters but is thin and durable enough to be pulled through a wedding ring. For this reason, they are often known as wedding ring shawls.

Orenburg is a region of Russia where down knitting began more than 250 years ago. The down of the Orenburg goat is unique for its fine texture, which at 16-18 micrometers is substantially thinner than even that of Angora goats. However, it is very strong and warm as well, creating a yarn that is strong and soft enough to be enjoyed for a lifetime in a variety of products. Only goats raised in Orenburg have this down; when the famous goats were imported to France in the nineteenth century, they developed coarse hair. It is believed that the cold, damp climate of Orenburg is the cause of the unique down texture.

The yarn used for Orenburg shawls comes from a yearly brushing of the goats in the spring. After the goats are carefully brushed, usually yielding one or two pounds of down, the down is carefully spun by hand into yarn. This delicate yarn is then knitted according to the artisan’s preference, usually into a geometrical pattern that is barely thicker than a spider web. Many of the patterns have been passed down for generations and are known only to one family. The finished product is then blocked and washed.

Orenburg shawls traditionally were large and used to keep warm through the blizzards that are typical of winter on the steppes. However, weavers soon began making smaller items such as kerchiefs. Originally made from goat down alone, the artisans soon discovered that adding a small amount of silk fiber to the yarn made for a stronger and warmer product. Because the goat down is strong—stronger than wool, in fact—the result is a very fine yet surprisingly strong shawl that is sturdy enough for everyday use but beautiful enough for special occasions.

France has historically been one of the most avid markets for Orenburg goat down and shawls. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, French fans paid more for Orenburg down than cashmere and imported tens of thousands of pounds of the fiber. After the rise of the Soviet Union, production was shifted to plants such as the Orenburg Downy Shawls Plant, where the shawls are still made by hand. Western Europeans still comprise one of the largest markets for Orenburg shawls.

An Orenburg shawl may be gray, light brown, or white, depending on the color of the goat’s fur. Mixtures of colors are also sometimes used. The Orenburg goat fur is sometimes combined with Volgograd goat fur to get a snowy white color. However, the shawls remain uniformly beautiful and high quality. Orenburg shawls are still made by hand in a labor intensive manner, making them a valuable investment in a lifetime of beauty and warmth.

Sharing tea with family and guests is a huge part of Russian culture, making samovars an irreplaceable part of the Russian home. They may come in a variety of shapes and are usually made to be decorative as well, with painting, gilding, and Russian folk designs. The samovar is usually kept in the common area of the home for easy access and their high decorative value.

The traditional samovar is a metal container heated by coal, charcoal or other fuels such as dried pinecones. However, many modern samovars are electric and work similar to a commercial water heater. Because they are usually used for tea, many models include an attachment that can hold a teapot with tea concentrate.

A samovar typically has a body (the urn where the water is kept), a base and chimney, a vented cover, and a faucet. In addition, the top is often made to hold a teapot. The fire under a samovar was generally kept smoldering at all times, with fuel being added and the flames stoked with a bellows when the water was to be heated.

No one knows when the samovar was invented, but they are shown in a variety of classic Russian art. We do know that they have been used since ancient times; an archaeological dig in Azerbaijan unearthed a samovar that was about 3,600 years old. The oldest samovar that is still in usable condition hails from 1717 and is owned by a samovar collector. Ancient samovars are loved by collectors for their durability and charm.

The first known samovar factory was opened in Tula, Russia in 1778 by Ivan Fyodorovitch and Naar Fyodorovitch Lisitsyn. These samovars were so durable and beautiful that many are still in use today and known for their traditional Russian beauty. The mass production of samovars ensured that even peasants could afford them, and they were soon an irreplaceable part of Russian culture. However, handmade models of higher quality continued to be favored in upper class homes. In fact, there is a Russian expression that translates as “to have a sit by the samovar” and means to have a friendly discussion over tea.

In modern times, the samovar is associated with the exotic traditional cultures of both Russia and the Middle East. Samovars are still found in common use in these areas as well as other places over the globe with heavy Eastern European or Iranian populations.

Samovars may come in different shapes and sizes, but they are almost always made of metal. Depending on the budget of the owner, this metal may be a cheaper material such as tin or nickel or a more expensive one such as copper, polished brass, silver or gold. Regardless of the material, samovars are made to be both beautiful and functional.

What is Gzhel? This type of ceramics has become popular with collectors throughout the world, especially with those who favor Russian crafts. Named after the Russian village in which the pottery originated and is still made to this day, Gzhel is a type of ceramic that is a creamy, translucent white color with hand painted blue designs arising from folk traditions.

Gzhel is different from other types of indigenous Russian pottery in several ways. First, Russian handicrafts tend to favor red and gold colors, while Gzhel pottery has a much cooler color palette. Second, most Russian pottery is earthenware, which is much thicker and rougher than the fine, creamy white Gzhel porcelain.

Gzhel is named after a Russian village located southeast of Moscow. This village and the surrounding area have been known for pottery since the fourteenth century, although local artisans were likely making ceramics long before this. Traditionally this pottery was created in home workshops, but as its popularity grew factories began to spring up. The original product was earthenware made from molds and then hand-decorated by trained artisans. Although most of the pottery was white with blue patterns, other colors such as green and yellow were used as well and known as majolica.

However, Gzhel potters soon figured out a ‘recipe’ that produced a translucent white porcelain that was similar to that produced in China and Western Europe at the time. Thus, in 1802 Gzhel became the birthplace of Russian porcelain. The high quality and fine texture combined with the beautiful blue-on-white traditional Russian folk designs soon made Gzhel pottery a favorite. Different from other Russian pottery at the time, the Gzhel porcelain became a regional favorite, and word spread fast. Less than fifty years later, Gzhel was the foremost supplier for pottery in Russia and developing a name throughout the world.

This had a huge effect on the Russian pottery market because locals were no longer forced to pay inflated prices for pottery from other places. Further, the designs on the pottery were distinctively Russian and more rustic than those from other countries. There have since been several breaks in production due to political and economic conditions, but the village of Gzhel is once again making their distinctive porcelain for people all over the globe. The brilliant majolica designs with yellow and green colors as well as the distinctive blue on white designs are favorites both in Russia and abroad.

Several items are made in the Gzhel style and method. Tableware obviously is a favorite, but vases, souvenirs, and sculptures are also made with the Old World methods. There is such a diverse range of items that there is something for every taste and every home. Moreover, Gzhel items are not just lovely today; they have a long past and will look beautiful in the future as well. Because of their high quality materials and superior design, items made of Gzhel pottery have the potential to become treasured family heirlooms and valuable antiques. They are an investment in style and in the future as well.

Russian winters are notoriously cold and harsh, and the Russian people have thus developed many different types of warm clothing for survival and comfort. The ushanka, a type of warm winter hat, is one of these.

Throughout the world, Russians are associated with round fur hats. Round fur hats with flaps that can either be tied or otherwise fastened on the head, or unfolded to cover the ears are called ushanka. More than just a hat, they also serve as protection for the head, as they are thick and strong. However, most people who wear these hats appreciate them for their unparalleled warmth. Ushanka cover not just the head, but the ears and often a good deal of the neck and jaw as well.

The ushanka is associated with Russia, but similar hats are worn in many cold regions and have been for millennia. Fur hats with flexible ear flaps were worn not just in Russia, but in Germany, Scandinavia, and Central Asia. However, Russians began wearing the perfectly round hat called the ushanka in the early twentieth century. The style quickly caught on due to the function and warmth of the hat, and it soon became popular and even ubiquitous in Russia. The Soviet Army began using ushanka during the Winter War, when many Russian soldiers died of cold and exposure. A new hat and uniform solved this problem, and ushanka were soon adopted as part of the cold weather military uniform in locations as far-flung as Poland and Canada.

Ushanka thus became a symbol of Russia. In fact, United States president Gerald Ford famously wore an ushanka during his 1974 visit to the Soviet Union as a show of solidarity. However, many people did not want to wear a hat associated with communism, so the ushanka remained out of style beyond the borders of the USSR. Ushanka began to build in popularity throughout the world after the fall of the Soviet Union, when the world rediscovered the Russian people and vice-versa.

Ushanka made completely of fur are the best known type, and indeed they are popular in Russia due to fur’s warmth and beauty. However, they can be made with sheepskin, artificial fur or with a fur interior and cloth top. Artificial fur is common due to its economy and ready availability, and is known jokingly in Russia as ‘fish fur’. The classic ushanka, however, is made from genuine fur inside and out. Fur tends to be warmer and more durable than any other material, and thus is best suited to the bitter chill of an Eastern European winter.

Ushanka have become especially stylish in the past few years, with celebrities and common folk wearing them for their warmth, durability, and function. They can be found in a variety of colors and made from many different materials to suit any sense of style. While the ushanka remains a symbol of the cold weather Russian people, it is a symbol that can be enjoyed by just about anybody, anywhere.

If you have ever listened to Russian folk music, you have heard the distinctive sound of the bayan. Comparable to the accordion that Westerners are so familiar with, this musical instrument provides a similar sound with unique Eastern European flair.

The bayan may look like an accordion in many ways, but there are key differences as well. Most notably, this instrument uses buttons rather than the piano keys seen on Western accordions. The bayan also has much less tremolo, but instead a clear, unwavering note. The reeds are attached to the plates in large groups rather than in pairs, and they are attached with screws rather than wax. These reeds are a different shape as well, giving a slightly different sound. The bass in particular has a unique tone that is usually described as sounding deeper and fuller than that of the classical accordion.

These and the many other small features that set the bayan apart have given the musical instrument an irreplaceable place in Russian folk music. They have a much wider range than the average accordion, and thus can be used for a more diverse range of music. Music lovers describe the bayan as having a different ‘tone color’ than other accordions, but you don’t have to be a music snob to appreciate the depth and Old World charm of this instrument.

In addition to being widely used in Russian and Ukrainian folk music, the bayan is used in classical arrangements as well. Several notable Russian composers have written classical compositions using the bayan, and many well-known classical songs can be easily performed on the instrument with beautiful effect. In fact, under the Soviet government, the bayan was treated with special privilege as a historically Russian instrument, with training and lessons available for free at public elementary and music schools. Eastern Europeans tend to see no distinction between ‘folk art’ and ‘classical art’ as other cultures might, so the bayan remains an esteemed and well-recognized instrument throughout Russia and the countries she has influenced.

Indeed, the bayan has a distinctively Russian heritage that almost no other folk instrument can claim. This musical instrument was first created in eighteenth century St. Petersburg, a center of Russian arts at the time. The bayan caught on in popularity, and mass production began in the early nineteenth century. By the late nineteenth century, the bayan looked almost identical to its modern form. The first musical conservatory program of studies dedicated to the bayan was developed in Kiev in 1927, and the first concerti for the instrument were written ten years later by Rubtsov and Sotnikov.

The bayan is an essential part of many Russian folk songs, especially those performed for the well-known Cossack dances. As a result, bayan music has spread throughout the world to the many far-flung communities that boast a strong Russian heritage. In fact, some of the world’s most famous and accomplished bayanists, such as Victor Danilochkin and Gennady Gutkin, are from New York City.

As Russian folk music spreads over the globe, the bayan is gaining enthusiasts from a variety of locales and cultures. In fact, you just may hear this distinctive tone at a folk festival or other celebration near you!

Khokhloma is a Russian folk art that looks great on any modern table. Although it is made of wood, it appears to be gold due to its bright color and metallic sheen. It is one of the most popular crafts from Eastern Europe due to its high quality and timeless charm.

Named after the region where the craft originated, Khokhloma is still made by hand in the old Russian tradition. Wooden tableware is created by hand using a lathe. The pieces are then polished with liquid clay and oiled. After drying, they are covered with metal powder to produce the distinctive metallic sheen. Only after these steps are the items painted. Painting is often done by hand, followed by the application of several layers of varnish. No gold or gold paint are used in the traditional process; the varnish and paint combine to create the golden color that defines the craft.

Khokhloma is usually metallic gold with red, black, and sometimes green accents. However, items with a black background are also sometimes made. The art usually is inspired by nature, with flowers, berries, and leaves among the most common subjects.

Although Khokhloma is named for a trading town in the province of Nizhni Novgorod, this is not where it was originally created. Crafts were made in homes in nearby villages and brought to Khokhloma for sale at the markets. Because it was most commonly bought in Khokhloma, the craft was named for this town. Traditional tales tell of a monk named Andrei who fled the political upheaval in Russian cities and settled in the forest. Although he was found and forced back to his monastery, he left behind the rich tradition of Khokhloma with the village people. Regardless of its actual inventor, historians believe that the art stems from Eastern Orthodox icon painters who settled in the area and taught locals the age-old methods of painting religious items. These techniques were soon used to create Khokhloma tableware, which became one of the most popular and renowned Russian crafts.

Khokhloma is most famously used for table items such as bowls, platters, and serving utensils, but decorative items and even furniture are created using this folk technique. These hand-crafted items bring warmth to a variety of settings and are an excellent addition to any type of room. The colors are bright and eye-catching, but they have been carefully chosen. The black provides contrast against the warm gold, while the red is a traditional color for Russian handicrafts. Because items are hand-painted, each is completely unique, a one-of-a-kind treasure.

Although Khokhloma art was invented in seventeenth century Russia, it is still being crafted in the old style for collectors all over the globe. Folk art enthusiasts don’t even have to dig out their passports to own a piece of Khokhloma; items can be bought on the internet from a variety of sources. From the smallest Khokhloma serving spoon to larger pieces and even furniture, a variety of items ensure that every enthusiast can find a place for this timeless craft.

“Nu Pogodi”, often translated as “Well, Just You Wait!” and ”I’ll Get You” is a beloved Soviet cartoon, similar in style to Tom & Jerry and Roadrunner. The main characters are a Hare “Zayats”, which is constantly being preyed upon by the Wolf (Volk) who resorts to comically diabolical schemes. Several other minoir characters are also introduced throughout the series.

Unlike Roadrunner, Nu Pogodi places a greater emphasis on various real-life situations and locations. The characters are anthropomorphically drawn, with human-shaped bodies. Unlike Tom & Jerry, The Wolf and Hare often walk on two feed and occasionally converse with each other.

20 Episodes were made between 1969 and 2006 – 13 between 1969 to 1980, and 7 between 1984 and 2006.

Following the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1990, this cartoon received its first exposure to many Western audiences.

For more information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nu_pogodi

Sometimes, the best gift or artwork is the one that you make yourself.

The Do-It-Yourself website Instructables.com, has a fantastic compilation of guides on how to make your own imitation Fabergé Eggs. Some of the beautiful imitation Faberge Eggs include:

“Imperial Red” (shown above), “Lilies of the City”, “Silver Pendant Egg”, “Blue Bird of Happiness”, ”Paradise Bird Egg” and “Metallic butterfly”.