Antique Russian Imperial Breast Star of the Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky

mid 19th century, gilded silver (unmarked), white enamel

The star is set with a mixture of faceted rock crystal (the rays), paste (the central medallion and crown), and rose-cut diamonds (the motto of the Order and cipher ‘SA’).

The Cyrillic inscription around the center (the motto of the Order) reads: “For Hard-Working and Fatherland”.

Width 3 7/8 in. (9,7 cm)

Condition: hairline cracks to the white enamel medallion in the center.